The halls of St. Clair Elementary were filled with more than just the sound of learning this past week; they were filled with boisterous cheers and ever-so-proud stomping only found in another successful campaign for a tremendous cause. From January 24th to the 30th, students and staff teamed up with the American Cancer Society for the annual Kids vs Cancer week, turning a series of healthy habit lessons into a record-breaking community triumph.
Facing a goal of $5,500 and sitting nearly $1,000 short just twenty-four hours before the deadline, the St. Clair community rallied with a last-second surge. The final total? An incredible $6,975.64 raised for cancer research.
The week was structured around daily themes designed to teach students how healthy lifestyle choices can reduce cancer risks. Students kicked off the week with Red Day (1/26) to support research, followed by Slipper Day (1/27) to discuss the importance of sleep, and Sun Safety Day (1/28). Physical activity took center stage for Sports Day (1/29), culminating in a high-octane Superhero Day on Friday. As kids dressed in costumes to honor those battling cancer, the auditorium erupted during the final assembly. While caped crusaders filled the seats, a special moment of recognition was reserved for School Nurse Jackie, who received a standing ovation for her daily heroic efforts in caring for the students.
Stakes were high for the classroom fundraising challenge. The class with the highest amount of donations received an ice cream party, but the real draw was the legendary teacher dance-off that featured the top three classrooms. Actually, there was a tie for third, so it was a delight to watch four educators show off their best moves in front of an eager audience. teacher dance-off.
The competition was fierce as Gearierty & Noyes (tied at $990.50 each) kicked off with spirited performances that included a jaw-dropping split by the former. Wolf ($1045.00) recruited a troupe of students for a choreographed routine to “Shake it Off” that ended with a nod to the “6/7” meme, which sent the pop-culture-savvy kids into a frenzy. The winner of the contest, McCone raised $1,162.10 not only secured an ice cream party for her class, but left audience members in amazement with a routine that had a splash of Saturday Night Fever and a finishing “worm” move that stunned the crowd.
The true climax of the assembly, however, was the fulfillment of the school-wide “Human Sundae” challenge. Having surpassed the $5,500 goal, Principal Holland took her place at center stage to be transformed from authority figure to a sticky, gooey concoction of various syrups, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
Lucky students—including those who completed the “Healthy Kids BINGO” challenge—were called up to apply the toppings. In a scene reminiscent of Carrie–but with chocolate,”–Holland’s silver hair was quickly buried under a delicious dome of decadent chocolate syrup, followed by layers of sticky caramel and cherry drizzle. Students seemed to revel in the chaos, chanting in uproarious unison to add waffle cones, sprinkles, and whipped cream to the Principal. Like any great sundae, the masterpiece was not completed until the final addition of a cherry on top was placed atop Holland’s head–which at this point had become a hardened layer of chocolate and caramel sauce.
As she recovered from the gooey onslaught, Holland spoke briefly on what must be one of the strangest and stickiest situations during Kids v Cancer, “Definitely one of the messier punishments I’ve been a part of but it’s worth it,” she said, laughing as she wiped layers of syrup off her face. “Raising the funds we did this week will make a difference, and the kids enjoy being a part of this event knowing their efforts can one day bring us closer to a cure.”
With nearly $7,000 headed to the American Cancer Society, St. Clair Elementary proved that when it comes to fighting cancer, these kids—and their very sticky principal—mean business.
