Students and staff decorated this banner, displayed at Byron-Bergen High School, by creating a ribbon in a person’s name who has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer.Students at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, with guidance by the Senior National Honor Society, raised awareness about a variety of cancers during the school’s Cancer Awareness Week, which concluded with a Zumba for a Cure fundraiser.
During the week-long awareness effort, activities centered on a variety of cancers, including skin, childhood, breast, leukemia and ovarian.
With coordination by advisors Alana Parnapy and Amy Knell, students distributed informational posters throughout the school, and students and staff wore specific colors each day as a sign of support and reflection for people affected by cancer.
Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Aaron Johnson said the school has a number of students who have battled cancer, as well as students who have several family members with the disease.
“To see your peers and the school community rally around a cause of personal significance shows them both support and care,” he said.
The fundraiser, Zumba for a Cure, raised $500 and will be donated to cancer research. During the event, a certified Zumba instructor led 50 people through two hours of fun-filled, energetic dance.
“Battling cancer is a marathon of emotional turmoil,” said Johnson. “When students see everyone rallying around their cause it might just be that shot of adrenaline they need to persevere and to know that they are not alone in the fight.”
