“We wanted to give the students the opportunity to be involved in helping organizations that benefit the whole community from the school level and we chose the Commonwealth Cancer Association,” Student Council advisor Ace Dela Cruz said.
The council raised over $100 from a fundraising dance and movie night in the school cafeteria on May 14.
The school, however, was not able to participate in the 2010 Marianas March Against Cancer because its students had interscholastic sporting events taking place at that time.
“We wanted so much to participate in the Marianas March Against Cancer,” Dela Cruz said. “So we met and decided to fundraise at the school level.”
The Student Council plans to continue its fundraising efforts next school year, and hopes to register as a school organization in the 2011 Marianas March Against Cancer, Dela Cruz added.
CCA board president Alex Sablan visited the school on June 8 to receive the contribution from the students.
“We thank the students from the bottom of our hearts, and we also thank their advisors, parents, school administration and all the members of the school community who supported their efforts,” he said.
Sablan said they were inspired by the initiative and generosity of the students in supporting the cancer programs.
The Student Council officers are Ana Lieto, president; Marie Lieto, vice president; Candy Quijano, treasurer; Daniele Manzandes, secretary; Magdalena Lieto, publicity director; and Benellen Camacho, historian.
The Student Council advisors are Deborah Moore, Eluene Baza, Lavena Babauta, and Ace Dela Cruz.
The Commonwealth Cancer Association is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cancer awareness, providing patient support services, and serving as the liaison for cancer issues in the CNMI and the region.
The Marianas March Against Cancer is the signature annual fundraising event of the Commonwealth Cancer Association, and the biggest fundraiser in the CNMI for cancer awareness and patient support programs.
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