Relay High team, the Beach Bums, raised the most money as a team (over $1,500) for the entire event and team member Laura Bibbee raised the most money as an individual ($645). In the photo, the team poses with cancer survivor Lisa Bibbee, Laura’s mother, who inspired the group to participate in the event. (Following the event, Lisa Bibbee received more good news—her cancer is now in remission.)

Front row: Zach Hendershot, Lisa Bibbee
Back row: Chase Garrett, Phil Kellison, Emma Romanowski, Wes Cox, Christine Jacobs, Laura Bibbee, Chelsea Conley, Sonny Zickefoose, and Ryan Black.

A passion for making a difference

Carmen L. Hathaway, Senior Community Manager
American Cancer Society

With an 11 percent increase over the 2007 event, the teams raised and sponsors contributed over $19,800.

Relay High is a Relay For Life event targeting high school and junior high students who form teams from fellow students, school clubs and teachers. The overnight event was held on March 1-2, 2008 at Blennerhassett Junior High School this year due to the construction at the high schools, and it provided a perfect layout.

The 25 Teams who participated represented all high schools in Wood County: PSHS, PHS, WHS, PCHS as well as St. Marys High School. Participating Teams also included two from Jackson Junior High this year.

These teams were led by Team Captains who have a passion about making a difference in the fight against cancer. They encouraged their team members to ask family and friends for personal donations and also hosted creative team fundraisers. These teams on average had 10 team members who camped out and walked the track all night long at the event to signify that cancer does not sleep. The participants also enjoyed lots of great food from generous sponsors, fun activities and were entertained all night long by various bands and contests.
Relay High is planned by the American Cancer Society Teen Board made up of students representing all Wood County High Schools. These dedicated, bright young students begin planning this event in September and meet weekly to organize the event. They organize the logistics of the event, present the concept to owners and managers of area businesses asking for cash and in-kind donations, they recruit teams from area schools, and market their event to fellow students. They also write the scripts for all ceremonies, plan the event schedule and activities, and recruit speakers. These students showed true leadership and worked very hard to plan a very well organized and very successful event.

A special “thank you” goes out to all of the Team Members who worked very hard asking for donations to fund nationwide research grants, our local programs, and education on what an important role nutrition and physical activity play in the prevention of cancer. Another very special Thank You goes to the Sponsors who helped make this event possible. And to the American Cancer Society Teen Board who worked tirelessly on a well organized and successful event. The effort of all involved truly makes a difference in the fight against cancer. Your local American Cancer Society is very proud to have such bright, young leaders involved with our organization.

For more information on cancer or Relay High, please contact your local American Cancer Society at 422-1472.