Nighthawk News
Relay for Life returns for more Tuesday, April 25, 2006 By Brandon Edwards
For the second year, FFHS’s football field will be making room for the worldwide annual event, Relay For Life, in May. For 10 years, the relay has been held on the Outer Banks to honor survivors and pay tribute to those who have passed away from cancer. The benefit event started locally in 1996 at Manteo High School. After three years, it was moved to Corolla’s Whale Head Club, where it was held until last year when the event was moved to FFHS. “We moved the event to FFHS’s football field last year to make the event more accessible to the community because the drive to Corolla took some time,” logistics coordinator Shearl Scott said. “We gave up some beautiful scenery but we wanted to serve the community first and make it as convenient as possible.” FFHS’s participation in the relay involves teams and clubs that will raise money and walking for the fight against cancer. “Key Club is going to participate in the walk,” junior Key Club member Sara Herrity said. “We will be holding a couple of fund-raisers, and hosting activities for the relay.” The Key Club is one of many groups from FFHS that are planning to participate in the event. “The office staff team was a great success last year,” administrative assistant Kathy Davis said. “I was there from start to finish and I really hope that we can put one together this year for such a great cause.” Many club sponsors are hoping for strong support and attendance from club members. “I think that we’ll have a good turnout for Interact club,” Interact sponsor Katie Neller said. “This is a fun and wonderful accomplishment for the students; it’s all for a good cause and shows our support for the community.” Students do not have to be in a school-sponsored club to participate in the relay. “Many businesses and organizations on the beach will have teams that will need people and students can even form their own team if they choose to,” Scott said. According to Scott, The Outer Banks Relay for Life has ranked in the top 10 for revenue raised since 1999. Students that contribute to the relay will get more than just pride for their involvement. “Students and adults that participate in this event take with them a feeling of dignity, accomplishment and a new awareness for cancer, which shows the fight that many have struggled with for years,” Scott said. “For a community this size, we ranked second out of the entire nation when we raised almost $312,000.” The relay will start on May 20 and finish on May 21. Setup for teams will start at 1 p.m. on May 20 and walking will begin at 3 p.m. after a parade. The Survivor Walk for those who have won the fight against cancer will be at 5 p.m. The dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by luminaries, a lighting of candles, for those who are suffering or who have suffered from cancer. There will be another parade on May 21 at 8:45 a.m. followed by a final lap in which all participants are to walk at 10 a.m. Scott said, “Anyone thinking about participating should because it’s a great way to show community support and it makes you aware of what’s really going on in the war against cancer.” |