By Sachi Bhati ’18, News Editor
With seventeen teams participating and more than 100 students from grades 9-12 attending, the Country Day community raised over $10,000 in its annual Relay for Life event Friday evening.
The event kicked off at 4:00 p.m. with registration on the football field. Every team had its own designated table, and as soon as the clock struck 5:00 p.m. everyone gathered in the Dinning Terrace to eat dinner which was provided by Skyline Chili. The tables were decorated in purple covers in honor of the American Cancer Society’s signature color: purple. After dinner was served, Ms. Floyd said a few words regarding the schedule of the night, and then thanked the seniors who had diligently worked to make this event happen. The amount of spirit elevated even higher once the thunder sticks were given out and everyone began to walk towards the track.
Once on the track, all seventeen teams walked a lap, and then team members took turns walking until the event ended shortly before midnight. Planning for the event began months ago and games filled the infield. From dunking teachers to playing root beer pong to the messy but fun pie-eating contest, there was always something to do. Once the luminarias–candles in bags decorated to commemorate loved ones affected by cancer–were set up, everyone walked the “Lap of Hope,” a lap in which participants walk in complete silence one time around the track. The silence of the lap gives you time to think of either someone you have lost or those you know who are fighting cancer and how you are doing this for them. The Lap of Hope makes you realize not only how lucky you are, but also the difference we can make for those people who have this awful condition. It was truly amazing to watch how everyone remained quiet, how the luminaria glowed in the dark night sky, and how the money we raised will be able to help someone who is battling cancer. By the end of the night, everyone had either been soaked from the dunk tank, hit by a water balloon, or covered in whipped cream. But all in all, it was a great night!
