11:30pm-10:00am: Live Coverage of First MSJ Relay For Life

By: Shirby Wang

After the Luminaria ceremony ended, the night tapered off as participants rested in their tents and took turns walking around the track. A movie night was held at 12:30 and people huddled together to watch The Lion King on a huge projected screen.

As night slowly faded into day, the sunrise lap began, and people walked around the track while the sun began to warm the chilly air. People began packing up their belongings together, taking down their tents, lawn chairs and tables.

At 9:00, the Closing Ceremony commenced. Freshman Soukhya Inamdar began the ceremony by singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. Biology and Physics Teacher Nathania Chaney-Aiello gave a touching speech detailing her role as a caregiver to a cancer patient, followed by an inspiring speech delivered by English Teacher John Boegman to encourage the tradition of a MSJ Relay for Life and hopes that the program will grow even larger.

The staff also revealed a secret contest to see which team had the most spirit. The winner was the Special K team, who received an honorary staff, and is charged with returning next year to pass it on to the next winners. After expressing gratitude to all of the student committee and volunteers, the final sum of all the fundraising was revealed to have surpassed the projected goal, totaling up to be over $31,000. “It was uplifting to see so many young people taking part in an event to benefit others,” said Chaney-Aiello. Many are hopeful and looking forward to the continuation of Relay for Life at MSJ.

Photos: Shirby Wang