Relay is the Best Way by Anna Leigh

Relay is the Best Way by Anna Leigh - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everyone wants to have a successful high school experience, right? Although no one's pathway is identical, all aspiring students work hard to achieve some sort of goal, whether it be studiously, socially, athletically, or some other form. My largest high school accomplishment thus far has been planning the high school Relay for Life. While we have a supervisor to ensure that all activities are being fulfilled properly, high school students do all the planning. We work together to find sponsors, organize fundraising events, and plan the overnight gathering that raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Our goal is to eliminate cancer by working towards a cure and diminishing suffering through service, research, advocacy, and education. This noteworthy mission has a profound meaning for the community as a whole for many reasons. First, everyone is affected by cancer. Whether it be a friend, neighbor, family member, coworker, or even one's own self, every single individual has been touched by this devastating disease. This commonality forges connections between people and opens up pathways for sharing experiences and hope. Many of my neighbors, friends, and acquaintances (including my own mother) have suffered or are currently suffering from this debilitating affliction. By becoming involved in relay events, they are honored for their fight and given support and assistance that can bring a gleam of hope into their seemingly never ending battle. Events such as these bring people together. By working together towards a common goal, the community reaches a point of unity. My high school, Westosha Central, pairs with our rival, Wilmot Union, to establish the relay. I believe that this shows that anyone can collaborate when pursuing the same objective. In just last year, over $20,000 was raised for our cause. While this amount may not seem particularly significant, it is a testament to all of our hard work and effort. With the entire community, from the school environments to businesses to residents, our beliefs are united in a way that allows even a small group of people to make a difference.

Since this type of event involves many working facets, the team meets either weekly or every other week to discuss problems, ideas, and how our objectives are going to be met. First, we all do individual research on varying types of cancers and treatments so that we will be educated enough to answer any questions that arise from participants. Interaction with the faculty members at the high school is also vital so that there will be no issues or complications with the setting of the relay. Fundraising is a big portion of our planning and steps in order to aid our progress. Many hours are spent brainstorming, discussing, and following through with our proposals. Some of these include, but are not limited to, a Relay For Life basketball game, participating restaurants donating a portion of their profits of a certain day, and individual benefits (I hosted a bonfire where attendees paid an entrance fee of $5 where all proceeds went to Relay for Life). Leadership is a crucial quality for the chair members. For the relay to be successful, there needs to be many participants. We work to promote and advertise our cause for months. At school, we make announcements and hold sign ups for teams, encouraging clubs and friend groups to construct their own teams. Flyers are placed around the area and at local businesses so that the information can be spread to the surrounding citizens. The event itself requires an immense amount of effort in order to be run smoothly and fruitfully. Throughout the night, various activities take place to raise money and entertain our participants. As my mom is a cancer survivor, I know first-hand how inspiring and emotional this can be, reflecting on how my progress and work is significant and beneficial.

Joy, inspiration, and hope are just a few of the emotions that the community receives in response to our Relay for Life. This event provides an opportunity for citizens to come together for an incredibly worthy cause. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers are able to form bonds that create a more positive community atmosphere. It is impactful particularly to honor those who are cancer survivors and to provide encouragement and support to those who are battling it. Participants are able to feel proud for their contributions to helping the victims of a horrible illness and shaping a better future. The community is educated on the seriousness, risks, and possible prevention of cancer. They are taught methods of avoiding risk factors of cancer, such as smoking and excessive sun exposure, as well as encouraged to visit the doctor regularly for tests and screens. Through our outreach program, community members can create a better, safer living space that is dedicated to healthier living.