Lacombe high school students held a Relay for Life event on May 25 to raise research funds and awareness about cancer prevention.
The event was held at the school, although the original plan was to hold it on the MEGlobal field, said Carter Rogers, who took care of the event’s marketing.
With the weather looking a bit uncertain, the committee opted for an indoor event which did nothing to dampen enthusiasm among participants.
"We had between 50 to 70 people show up which was more than what we were expecting for our first year," he said.
"Things started with our opening ceremonies which is when we also heard from one of our survivor speakers Darcie Davis, who is a cosmetology teacher here at the school."
Several activities were held during the afternoon, including games, the opportunity to ‘pie’ high school peers and faculty, and even pet adoption with the assistance of Fostering Hope.
"Things went really well - everyone was enjoying it," said Rogers, adding that one or two people from each team were always on the relay route - which was set up around the school - at any given time.
"The luminary ceremony was later held in the gym. It was great, and also an emotional ceremony," he said.
"We then had our closing ceremony at the end of the evening, when we gave out some gift baskets that were sponsored. Everyone did their last lap, and we also had a 'glow' lap where we turned off all of the lights in the school. We all walked with glow sticks, and it was very moving as well."
Meanwhile, the event brought has brought in about $7,500 to date.
Donations are still coming in, and anyone who would like to support the cause is welcome to.
"We are trying to hit our goal of $10,000.
"It was pretty great to see that we raised that much," he said, adding that proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Rogers explained that some of the students went to a leadership conference last year in New Brunswick, where a Relay for Life was being held.
They were inspired to hold one locally as well. And looking ahead, Rogers is confident that the LCHS Relay for Life will become an annual event.
"We want to make it so the Grade 11 students here at the school run it."
For more information, find 'LCHS Relay for Life' on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
You can also email the team at relayforlifelchs@gmail.com.
