HMS Students Join Fight Against Cancer

Published May 24, 2012

Nearly three dozen Heritage Middle School students are making a difference in the lives of others by joining the fight against cancer.  The students recently raised $2,142 while participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

The 32 seventh graders are part of the school's advisory groups, which meet once a week to complete service projects and discuss topics of importance to middle school students.  They say the decision to join Relay for Life was an easy one.

"We were talking about some of the different charities we could help," said seventh grader Raine Chavez.  "We decided to do Relay for Life because pretty much everyone knows someone with cancer."

Starting in November, the students began their fundraising efforts by selling baked goods and other items.  The students also solicited donations from family and friends.  HMS seventh grader Lexi Brown raised the most money among participants.  For her, this is one cause that really hits home.

"My grandma and grandpa both died from cancer," said Lexi.  "Plus, my aunt has breast cancer and my grandmom has bladder cancer so that's why I really wanted to be a part of this effort."

On May 18, the students joined hundreds of others in Spring Hill for the culminating event.  From 6 p.m. until 6 a.m., they took turns walking around the track at Spring Hill High School to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society.  It was an event the students were proud to be a part of.

"I just think it's really special to be involved in something like this," said HMS student Alex Bailey.  "I like to support people who have cancer and to me this is really important."