It all started last year when Hill Elementary School teacher Tammy Zaffuto decided to organize a team to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This year, not only did the Hill School's 22-member "Hill for Hope" team participate a second year in the night-long relay, but teams from Oliver Middle School and Ginther Elementary School took part as well. The "Hill for Hope" team, which included 19 teachers and support staff, raised $2,618.73 by gathering donations from colleagues, friends and family, in addition to selling luminaries that were lit at the event to honor cancer survivors and those who lost their battle with cancer. The total also included $50 donated from the classroom fund of Mary Radack's fifth-graders and $40 in spare change donated by Hill students. Zaffuto was the team captain. The Oliver Middle School's team, "The Life Savers," raised over $2,300. Their team was comprised of 18 teachers, three of whom are cancer survivors. Team captain was Laura Peake-Meyering. The Ginther Elementary School team called themselves "Ginther Grabs Life" and raised $715. Fourteen teachers and staff participated with Maureen Fortner as their captain. |
