By Michayla Rinaldi
During the month of October, the color pink takes on a whole new meaning at New Hyde Park. October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and during this time, people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors of breast cancer and those who have lost their lives. Some also use this time to fundraise for breast cancer research and further the fight against this disease. At NHP, many have made efforts to raise awareness for breast cancer.
To kick-start the month, Gladnation, NHP’s athletic spirit club, organized a “Pink Out” football game. On Saturday, October 1, the NHP Gladiators faced the Mepham Pirates. During this game and all throughout October, the New Hyde Park Dads’ Club sold pink lemonade for $3 a cup, and all the proceeds went to breast cancer research. Many fans were seen at this football game drinking pink lemonade, and despite losing to the Pirates, audience members regarded the game as successful, given the support shown for breast cancer awareness.
“I loved seeing the school community come together and buy the shoelaces to show their support for breast cancer awareness...”
“I think Gladnation couldn’t have chosen a better theme to kick off Pink October. It worked out so well that football had a home game on the first day of October, and it was great to see a lot of fans wearing pink,” freshman Breanne Noguera said.
“Pink Out” themed games were also planned for the girls varsity soccer team and the varsity field hockey team. To fundraise for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NHP arranged events such as the Pink Mile, which was one of the most popular Pink October events at NHP. This event was run by English teacher and breast cancer survivor Ms. Kaspar and Key Club adviser Ms. Bocchino.
The Pink Mile took place on Tuesday, October 4, after school. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the walk was moved from the track to inside the school. Many sports teams, clubs and other students walked together to show their support.
Source by Anna Detke
Melanie Alex, Gianna Lorusso, Alyssa Pomara and Gabriella Bonetti cheer on Pink Mile participants.
“This year's Pink Mile was a huge success. Teams truly came together to walk for a cause,” Ms. Kaspar said.
At the end of the Pink Mile, the first 180 students to finish were greeted by raffle prizes and donuts donated by Duck Donuts. Admission to this event was $5 on the day of, or free for students who wore the pink ribbon shoelaces sold by Key Club. The shoelaces were sold by Key Club officers for $4 in the weeks leading up to the event.
Source by Sam Tsui
New Hyde Park gladiators walk together to demonstrate their support for breast cancer awareness by participating in the Pink Mile.
“I loved seeing the school community come together and buy the shoelaces to show their support for breast cancer awareness. It made me so happy whenever someone asked to buy a pair from me,” junior Georgina Giannatsis said. “I loved carrying around the pink pumpkin container and would do it again in a heartbeat!”
The Pink Mile raised $3,100 for breast cancer foundations through money made from the cost of admission to the event, the sale of shoelaces and raffle tickets. Additionally, NHP collected donations in a pink boot labeled “Give Breast Cancer the Boot” at the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 8, raising $475 for the cause.
Later in the month of Pink October, the Key Club made efforts to organize a Pink Ping Pong fundraising event. This event was supposed to consist of 16 teams, with two people on each team, playing games in a tournament style. Pink Ping-Pong was postponed due to lack of participants, which is thought to be attributed to conflicts with sports.
The National Art Honor Society, advised by Ms. Livoti and Ms. Corso, hosted Pink Pumpkin Painting to raise awareness through an art-based activity. This event took place on Thursday, October 27, in the cafeteria. For $5, students were able to buy and paint a pumpkin with white, black and pink acrylic paint, as well as glitter. Once pumpkins were painted, students had the choice of reselling the pumpkin or taking it home. This event was initially proposed by Ms. Kaspar a few years ago as a festive way to fundraise and tie in breast cancer awareness for Pink October.
“Whenever we do this event, we get so many wonderful and creative pumpkin designs from those who attend,” art teacher Ms. Livoti said.
Source by Kaitlyn Bell
More than 60 students attend the Pink Pumpkin Painting event organized by the National Art Honor Society.
Overall, many students and staff at NHP come together during the month of October to support the fight against breast cancer. The events held to spread awareness and fundraise are an important part of the fall season at NHP.
“I’m always so touched at how many people support Pink October. The generosity of faculty and students is greatly appreciated,” Ms. Kaspar said.