Pequot Lakes High School's Relay for Life was dampened by the weather Wednesday, May 11, but the biennial event raised a record $24,549.
"It was wonderful," said Nikki Stark, math teacher and co-adviser of the Interact Club. "Every time I do this, I think there is no way (the kids) can beat what we did last time, and every year they do. Every year it gets bigger and better. More kids are involved and more community members know about it. It becomes a bigger deal every time I do it, and it never ceases to amaze ... The rain didn't seem to dampen any spirits."
The event, held every other year since 2002, sees students raise money for cancer research - with a goal of at least $100 per student - then spend the day walking the track and playing games.
"It's to create more awareness for cancer," senior and event co-chair Catie Murray said. "I think almost everyone has known someone or has been affected by it, and it is a huge deal in our society. It's important to raise not just money but also awareness, because a lot of kids don't realize how big of a deal it is."
More than 85 percent of the high school student body took part in the event.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Being more involved (than in previous years), I think it went great," Murray said. "I was really proud of how well-organized it was and how much effort each student put in."
Having been a part of the Relay for Life since its inception, Stark participates to introduce students to volunteering and was pleased with the initiative students showed this year.
"I do it for kids to learn their leadership skills - to be able to take on a complex project and see it through to the end," Stark said. "It also helps the kids learn that volunteering in their community is a big part of who they should be. Kids tend to be afraid of what they don't know about. If I can expose them to volunteering, they are apt to do it in adulthood."
