Students at Blenheim District High School (BDHS) have raised more than $18,000 for cancer research.
The Lambton-Kent District School Board reported that students raised $18,104 through this year's Relay for Life, more than doubling their goal of $8,000.
The school board said students planned, promoted, organized, executed, and tracked every aspect of the event, with guidance from their teachers.
Heads were shaved in solidarity, stories were shared, and memories were made, all in support of cancer research and those impacted by cancer, school officials noted.
BDHS Principal Elsa Natvik said that the event’s success reflects years of intentional focus on student leadership development at BDHS.
“This massive undertaking was entirely student-led, and the results speak for themselves,” said Natvik. “As Principal of BDHS, I could not be more proud of our students for their incredible work on this year’s Relay for Life event, which holds a special place in my heart as the last major event of my principalship at BDHS.”
Natvik added that smashing the fundraising goal was a testament both to student dedication and to the strength of the BDHS community.
“Seeing our students demonstrate the robust leadership skills they have cultivated throughout the semester was truly inspiring, especially as they blew their initial $8,000 goal completely out of the water to fundraise an astonishing $18,000,” she said. “An initiative of this magnitude requires immense dedication and hard work. Its success is a testament to our students’ resolve and to the generosity of our community.”
Student leaders say the event offered valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, adding they are proud of their achievements and grateful for the community's support.
