![[From left to right-Top row: Harison Fliegenspan, Talia Russo, Isis Leite, Micaela Thone, Rosella Paniccia. Bottom row: Maya Rolan, Eren Yoshimura, Audrey Cheung, Karinah Diaz]](https://thehuskyherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_0927.jpg)
There are a plethora of clubs and organizations to get involved with at Harrison High School. From sports teams to theater productions, there is a lot going on afterschool at HHS. However, one very unique club is Relay For Life. What started as a CAS project created by two IB Diploma students has grown into an organization that is making a positive impact on the world day by day, dollar by dollar.
The American Cancer Society (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay) states, “Relay For Life celebrates survivors, honors caregivers, remembers loved ones lost, and raises funds to ensure that everyone has the chance to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.” The chapter at HHS embodies this mission statement by holding multiple large events every year to raise money and awareness for the cause.
The first of these events took place this past March, and was none other than the teacher vs. teacher basketball game. Teachers from every building of the Harrison Central School District gathered in the high school’s large gym to face-off in a battle of skill, determination, and teamwork. Seeing teachers outside of the context of the classroom playing basketball was a fun aspect of the event that made it so unique. Mr. Trebatch, IB Economy teacher and former Relay For Life Advisor said, “My favorite part of this whole day, my favorite part of every one of these [Relay For Life basketball games] is SRO Joe. He brings a level of intensity that is like an 11 out of 10, to everything he does, and it’s great.” Sienna Paternoster, a junior who attended the game backed up Mr. Trebatch’s statement, saying, “It was funny to see my teachers play. The end of the game was my favorite part. The game was tied and the teams kept on going back and forth between being in the lead.”
At halftime, all of the kids in the crowd were invited down to the court to do activities such as musical chairs and trivia. 11th grader Jake Arizmendi, Vice President and Treasurer of Relay For Life said, “My favorite part of the event was definitely watching all the kids be excited. It was so fun to see, especially during the halftime show. Just seeing all the little kids run and want to play, that was amazing.” The presence of young Harrison community members was a highlight of the game for students and adults alike. Mr. Jay Ciraco, HHS gym teacher and football coach said, “The community spirit was here, there were kids running around and everyone was really excited so this is exactly what we want at a Harrison sporting event.”
In addition to the sense of community that the club fosters, Relay for Life never loses sight of their cause. Arizmendi said, “Relay For Life is important to me because I’ve seen a lot of friends be affected by it [cancer], especially people close to me. I just don’t want anyone to go through that. No one deserves that. I think that everyone deserves a chance to live a fruitful life.”
The final Harrison High School Relay For Life event this school year will take place on May 31st from 4-9 PM on the HHS turf and senior patio. Show up to support this club by partaking in games and activities, including a dunk tank with your favorite teachers inside!
