MVK’s Mini Relay for Life raises over $3,000

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This is a story about HOPE. Hope for a cure for cancer. Hope for survivors beating the disease. Hope for research, awareness and compassion.

Students at the Mazon-Verona-Kinsman School District in Mazon held a Mini Relay for Life on Friday, May 29. The students raised more than $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. The day was exactly everything for which the Wellness Committee hoped.

MVK’s Wellness Committee was looking for a new activity to close the school year. A year ago, Trudy Poyner, a  grandmother to some students at MVK, asked if the Wellness Committee would be interested in hosting a Mini Relay for Life.

At the time, it was too late in the year for a project of that nature, but this year it was decided the time was right.

“I want the kids to be involved and understand what it’s all about and how many people it has touched that no one realizes,” Trudy said. “This is awesome.  And it’s been a great day!”

Students were challenged in early May to raise $1050 for the mini relay. If students raised $350, each student would receive a freezer pop. At $700, both of the district’s physical education teachers would take a pie in the face. If the final goal was met, the Superintendent, Nancy Dillow, and the Wellness Committee would sing Karaoke from the rooftop of the school at the school picnic on June 2.

Knowing it was a challenging time, with the state of the economy, each goal was set using $1, $2 or $3 per student donations. The fundraising started very slowly, but the committee was pleasantly surprised when a few days before the Relay was to be held, students had already reached the $2,200 mark.

With the day of the Relay finally at hand, the first sign of a successful relay was the blessing of a beautiful day.

At mid-morning, teachers and students started making the trek outdoors to set up their campsites. A variety of tents and pop up shelters provided “home” for the afternoon for each class.

Students, teachers and visitors lined the track in the school yard with chairs and blankets. Signs about healthy living dotted the track.

Under the shade trees in the school yard were the water station, welcome center and first aid table. Add enthusiasm, giggles and lots of energy, the perfect recipe was made for a very successful Mini Relay for Life.

The Relay was started with a Victory Lap for Survivors. Four MVK teachers and one student were joined by grandparents and parents who have battled cancer and are proud to be beating the disease.

“Being caught up in the preparation, it surprised me when I was overcome with emotion as we started the relay with the Survivor Lap,” said Debbie Paulsen, MVK’s Middle School principal. “We have several teachers and community members and even a young student who are cancer survivors. I was proud to participate in this event and it was obvious that the students were, too.”

The day progressed with a variety of laps to keep participants motivated. 

Students enjoyed the “lifesaver” lap as lifesaver candy was distributed. Other laps included eating grapes and carrots, blowing bubbles, wearing brightly colored beads, dancing crazy dances and a balloon launch.

Students and teachers were asked what their favorite part of the relay was.

Cody, a first grader said, “Resting.” Kaylin liked all the fruit and vegetables, and Cassidy liked walking and getting food.

“This is the best activity we’ve had all year,” one student was heard saying.

Sandy Roenfeldt, a first grade teacher and survivor, stated the Survivor lap is very special to her family.
“It’s fun to hang out and walk with your friends,” said Maggie, a seventh-grader. “It’s for a really good cause.”

Mackenzie, another seventh grader, thought it was nice that students are getting involved with the Relay for Life, not just the adults.

When asked how she thought MVK’s Relay compared to the Grundy County Relay, she said, “There’s a lot less people because it’s just our school, but it’s basically the same because we are at different campsites and everyone is always walking, just like at the Grundy Relay.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in an activity that educates them about an issue that has touched everyone,” said Cindy Christensen, the elementary school principal.

As the day came to a close, students were quick to remind the two P.E. teachers in the district, Lori Gronek and Pam Siedentop, that is was time for the “Pies in the Face” Reward.

A student was chosen from each MVK building for the honor of being the pie throwers. The two teachers clothed themselves in blue plastic rain ponchos and seated themselves in front of the entire student body in the middle of the track. 

With much fanfare and enthusiasm, both teachers were doused in “mile high” cream pies, much to the enjoyment of all in attendance.

As the whip cream was being toweled off, the final activity of the day was beginning. Students were given purple and white helium balloons as a “hope-filled” send off for the day. 

“We are having a balloon launch as a sign of our hope that someday because of our efforts, scientist will find a cure for cancer,” said Pam Siedentop, committee member and cancer survivor.

As the Relay came to a close, balloons dotted the beautiful blue skies. As camps were torn down, the smiles of students, teachers and staff showed the compassion that was felt by everyone, for everyone that’s been touched by cancer.

“I am a hospice nurse and a survivor. It has been so nice to be here today and see such hope everywhere,” a survivor and grandmother said.

Committee members Lori Gronek, Carol Halpin, Debbie Gonnam, Pam Siedentop, and Nancy Dillow ended the day very hopeful that this very special day will become a tradition at MVK.