Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness

CELINE CHANG/DEERFIELD SCROLL

On September 26, Deerfield hosted a “Pink Out” themed Friday Night Lights football game where the Boys’ Varsity Football Team played against Cheshire Academy. The event was in collaboration with Deerfield’s Cancer Connection Club to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Prior to the game, the club notified both students and faculty members to show up in pink colored clothing. Football players stuck pink Deerfield door stickers, provided by the Cancer Connection Club, onto their helmets. Club members lined the railings with pink balloons and adorned the spectator stand with pink ribbons. On top of this, they also distributed pink powder packs throughout the bleachers, which were thrown in handfuls across the stands during celebratory moments in the game. Members of the Cancer Connection Club began planning the event three weeks prior to the football game. Associate Editor of the Scroll and Cancer Connection Club Co-Chair Tess Ho ’27 said, “I’m so glad we were able to organize this Pink Out event. I believe it’s important that students acknowledge wearing pink isn’t just for the spirit, but it’s our way of showing that we are here to support those fighting for breast cancer and to honor those we’ve lost.” Another Cancer Connection board member, Danny Weller ’27, added, “It was amazing to see the student body come together for such a great cause.” Like all weekend activities, a group of students and faculty coordinators organized the event, including Student Activities Coordinator Connor Merrill, who organizes campus events and weekend activities. Cancer Connection Club board member Anne Kelly ’27 further noted that, “the game was important in showcasing how cancer touches everyone. Uniting everyone against this disease can make hard times so much easier. No one is alone and this game showcased this.” When asked about what the participation of students meant to her, Co-Chair of the Cancer Awareness Club Riley Farmer ’26 stated, “It meant so much to see the community rally against something that hits so close to home. It was amazing to see how much people bought into the theme and the message, and I am just so excited to see what else we can plan to bring awareness to our community.” The support exuded during the Friday Night Lights and Pink Out event stems from student’s demonstrated support for their peers, Deerfield tradition, and giving back to the greater community. Furthermore, the event gained further appeal and attention due to its unique time frame on a Friday night. Pink Out, through school spirit and passion for athletics, attempted to spread awareness about prevalent topics such as cancer. On the other hand, the Friday Night Lights event was also created as an opportunity to let students unwind for the weekend. These events show how life in Deerfield can be more than just academics, but a mixture of both fun, worldliness and passion for students and causes alike.