Relay for life in its 20th year

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Photo by Megan Aller

Alex Eder (’15) pitches his new idea for the club to Principal Don Johnson and Pete Hamilton. “I love the fact that it’s for a good cause and you get to become a part of a community filled with so many interesting people.” said junior Annie McHugh.

Sara Klein

“Every year is special; this year we’re just going to try to squeeze more into the time we have,” said Raboin.  “We are also hoping to have the founder of the Relay For Life, Dr. Gordy Klatt, visit the event or record a video to be played on the track.”

The Relay For Life of Stillwater will take place at the Stillwater Area High School outdoor track beginning on Aug. 1.  It is an 18 hour event with the Opening Ceremony beginning on Friday at 6 o’clock and the Closing Ceremony will be at noon on Aug. 2.

“The Luminaria Ceremony is always my favorite part of the event,” said Raboin.  “It starts at 10 p.m. and the Luminaria bags, that have the names of cancer survivors or cancer victims written on them, are lit around the track and on the bleachers.”

The major ceremonies and activities that make up the Relay are the Opening Ceremony, the Survivors Lap, the Caregivers Lap, the Luminaria Ceremony, the Fight Back Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony.

As stated on the Relay For Life of Stillwater website, the Luminaria Ceremony is “a time to remember people we have lost to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past.”

“One of my favorite memories from Relay For Life would have to be the Luminaria Ceremony last year at the Relay For Life of Stillwater.  The Relay event was dedicated to Zach Sobiech and his family, so ‘ZACH’ was spelled out in Luminaria bags on the bleachers.  After a silent lap around the track surrounded by illuminated Luminaria bags, Zach’s song ‘Cloud’” was played.  It was such a moving moment surrounded by so many people and so many lit Luminaria bags…it is definitely something I will never forget,” said Christina Manelli, an American Cancer Society Staff Partner.

“I am starting a new team this year with a friend and am trying to help the founder of the new club at the school,” said junior Annie McHugh.  “I love the fact that it’s for a good cause and you get to become a part of a community filled with so many interesting people.  It gives you such a strong feeling of pride and I would highly recommend getting involved.”