Students at have donated approximately $4,252 for cancer-fighting organizations by purchasing wristbands for pep rallies. During lunches, students were able to buy one bracelet for $3 or two for $5. These wristbands acted as passes to leave class early and witness school spirit at its finest in the gym.
The first pep rally of the school year was a “Gold-Out Day,” and it kicked off during second period on Sept. 13. This pep rally was not only an opportunity for students to show off their brightest gold outfits but also helped raise $2,177.61 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
With this donation, Cy Woods directly supported pediatric research that aids in curing kids with cancer and provides hope to those suffering. For many students, including junior Mary Katherine Corrigan, supporting a meaningful cause repays the price of the wristband.
“I love hanging out with my friends at the pep rallies while singing and dancing to the cheers,” Corrigan said. “Knowing it’s for a good cause, especially if it’s cancer as I’ve experienced it firsthand with my mom, makes it even better.”
The second pep rally of the school year occurred on Oct. 11 during seventh period. It was a “Pink-Out Day,” and students came to school in vibrant pink clothes and accessories to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This pep rally was a soaring success, as wristband sales raised $2,075 for CanCare. This organization provides support to those struggling with cancer by uniting them with caregivers and cancer survivors.
Additionally, the pep rallies allow students in extracurricular activities to show off their hard work. Junior Amelie Temple is the Varsity Color Guard Captain, and she dances on the sidelines of every pep rally. The Pink-Out Pep Rally was unique because the color guard was able to perform front and center for the first time.
“It was lots of fun, and the turnout was great,” Temple said. “It was great to see so many people there supporting our skills and breast cancer.”
At the Pink-Out Pep Rally, Cy Woods also honored teachers who have fought and conquered breast cancer. Earth systems science teacher and cheer coach Carrie Tillman was one of the recognized, and she loves that the pep rallies spread awareness.
“I was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and have been cancer-free since 2023,” Tillman said. “I just want to spread awareness to people to make sure they are getting checked out and doing monthly self-check to make sure everything is normal.”
When Tillman was diagnosed with cancer, it had already started to spread. Tillman is a strong advocate for cancer awareness because she was told that waiting any longer could have changed her survival odds drastically.
“I am so thankful for my health and that I am cancer-free,” Tillman said. “Now I know that life is too short, and you never know what’s going to happen, so you should live every moment to the fullest.”
