A sense of pride in high school students

On Friday, June 1, I had the opportunity to chaperone “Relay for Life” at Parry Sound High School. As I’m sure everyone is aware, this is a fundraiser for cancer research that happens all across Ontario.
A Relay Executive Committee was led by Natalie Jackson and Brad Guillemette, along with staff advisors Mrs. Rider, Ms. Hall and Mrs. McDonald to prepare for this important event. The 12-hour relay began at noon on Friday and carried on until midnight hosting many activities such as karaoke, ping pong, basketball and many other games for the duration of the evening. Teams were formed of the more than 160 students that participated.  
During the evening, luminaries were purchased and lit in a ceremony honouring members of families that had been lost to this horrible disease. At 9:30 p.m., everyone was led into the gymnasium to walk around the lit luminaries and pay homage to those who had passed. As I watched the students walk around in silence, while Celine Cascanette and Caleb Downs sang softly in the background, I was moved to tears by the honesty and humility of these young adults that make up a good portion of PSHS. I also felt such a sense of overwhelming pride in these remarkable students who could prepare and execute such a moving experience at such a young age.
The amount of work that went into this event by both students and staff advisors was extensive and those people should be commended for their dedication to this great cause.
In addition, the parent council prepared a lovely barbecue to feed all these hungry kids! Great job by all involved (including those teachers who dedicated their own hair to the cause). Thanks also to Mr. Douglas who brought his own ping pong paddle to challenge anyone willing to take him on!
I have worked at Parry Sound High School as the Attendance Secretary for the past nine years, and on occasion I have seen the community, staff and students be surrounded by negativity. I feel bad for those individuals who fail to see the compassionate and dedicated students that make up Parry Sound High School.
Luckily, I have been able to be part of a variety of life-changing moments with great kids, who continue to surprise me with their maturity and genuine attempts to help others.
I was proud to accompany a great group of students to the Vimy Ridge ceremonies in France this past April, and also attend the Relay for Life this year. It is these types of events that make me extremely proud to work at Parry Sound High School.