HOWELL – Students at Howell High School raised over $44,000 at the annual Relay for Life event.
On June 11, students, staff and members of the Howell community came together to spend the night on the field to celebrate survivors and caregivers and to remember those that have passed from cancer.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is “the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.”
The event included a scavenger hunt, lip sync battle, relay laps, luminary ceremony, trivia, as well as some on-site fundraisers.
A total of 22 teams were created at Howell High School, collectively raising $44,454 and becoming the third highest high school in the country for 2021. Team “Finding Chemo,” which included 22 members and team captains Alexis Nigro and Emily Bruce, was the highest fundraising team ever at Howell High, accumulating $10,255. They received the Jade Level fundraising badge in recognition of this feat.
“I Relay because I have lost family members to cancer and have also celebrated survivors. Participating in Relay for Life gives me a chance to help make a difference in these outcomes,” Alexis said. “I feel a huge sense of pride and gratitude. I am so proud of our team for all of their hard work that helped to get us to this amazing accomplishment. I am so grateful for our team and everyone that has supported our fundraisers throughout the year.”
Not only did the teams raise money during the event, but hosted many other events in order to collect funds.
“The teams spent the entire school year fundraising. They held fundraising events at local restaurants…sold coffee and hot chocolate and they received sports memorabilia donations from local sports teams that they were able to raffle off,” Alexis’ mom Tammy said. “Even while school was closed during covid, they did not stop.”
Alongside team “Finding Chemo” the top ten teams were:
Second: Ninja Turtles raising $5,538
Third: Answer for Cancer raising $4,235
Fourth: Cure-a Vida raising $2,862
Fifth: Conquering Cancer raising $2,786
Sixth: Wave Cancer Goodbye raising $2,432
Seventh: Notorious C.U.R.E. raising $2,025
Eighth: Jake The Tank raising $1,884
Ninth: SCHOOL OF WALK raising $1,877
Tenth: Lights Camera Cure raising $1,390
“We are so proud of our students at Howell High School for all the hard work they put into such an important cause. Relay for Life has a strong tradition at Howell High School because our students so special!” Principal Jeremy Braverman said. “In addition, we thank Ashley Patterson, our Relay for Life event coordinator and well as school nurse Eileen Eccelson who works with these students all year long.”
