Beating cancer is no easy feat, and losing a loved one to cancer is as equally challenging. Therefore, many staff and students came together on January 28 to Paint the Gym Purple and support those affected by cancer.
However, Painting the Gym Purple began well before January 28. Planning started on January 22, with Student Helpers selling T-shirts to raise money for a scholarship for a senior student affected by cancer. The Student Helpers successfully sold all the T-shirts and donated the money to a beautiful cause. Many students credit the success of how fast the shirts sold to “its attractive design.”
On the day of the Paint the Gym Purple game, a pep rally was held in the Spartan Gym during the school day to engage the students in spreading cancer awareness.
To start the assembly, Mrs. Wargin asked students to “stand up if [they] or anyone [they] know has been affected by cancer.” In a stunning revelation, close to half of the student section stood up, with some standing up to support their friends. Once this occurred, students participated in fun activities such as musical chairs to engage in the cause.
The athletic department, led by OLCHS Athletic Director Jeremy Cryan, advertised the Paint the Gym Purple game throughout the week. At the time of the game, large letters and purple posters stating, “I STAND UP FOR, ” were handed out to players, staff, and audience members for them to show their support to those they know who have been affected by cancer. These posters were the game’s highlight, as no one was alone regarding cancer.
Boys basketball head coach Jason Rhodes, having had been affected by cancer himself with two close friends battling the disease, saw it as, “important for me to have my kids play well and hard.” Coach Rhodes heartfully highlighted how, “Some of our players have had relatives or aunts, uncles, grandparents pass or deal with cancer.” He added, “It’s always a special game to be able to play to remember those people, to play for something a little bit more than basketball.”
Coach Rhodes played an outstanding role in the success of the Paint the Gym game as the Varsity Boys were crowned winners in a 73-54 game against Argo. Because of Rhodes’ outstanding coaching effort, the boys were able to play a small role in supporting someone who is dealing with or has dealt with cancer.
Paint the Gym Purple was very successful in spreading awareness for cancer. It was an outstanding chance for the students of OLCHS to play a role in fighting cancer and advocating for those who have been affected by it. It is very exciting to see what OLCHS will do with this event in the future.
