By Hillary Maxwell

  Relay for Life Tri-Town had its first normal event in two years, raising an amount well over their goal. 

  Despite the last two years, it was apparent the Tri-Town still heavily supported the American Cancer Society. The ELT had concerns going into this year as many Masco students and members of the community had not been a part of the last Relay for Life event.

  “The event went really well especially considering the circumstances like how everything is after Covid,” said junior Kathleen Meader. 

 In total, the event raised $46,000 which will go towards cancer research and other allocated funds. With 256 participants the event was very successful and it shows the significance Relay has on Masco students and the community.

  The top teams at the event were Pink Ribbon Racers raising $6,591, Puck Cancer raising $4,780, and Walking Warriors with $3,383 raised. 

  Event Lead Mya Leonforte said, “We beat our event goal of $43,000 for cancer research this year.” 

  This turnout was incredibly rewarding for the Relay for Life team, as they had been planning and hoping all year for a successful event. 

  Leonforte said, “Our Relay event this year was amazing and I’m so proud of our Event Leadership Team who helped to make it possible.” 

  Without the hard work of many including Leonforte, this event would not have been possible. Fundraising did not just happen the night of the event, but months prior. To make this event possible, they also relied on businesses like Topsfield House of Pizza, Sol Bean, and Panera. The ELT met every other Tuesday night and recently started meeting every week to make the event possible and as successful. 

 This amount of fundraising was made because of planned events such as Relay Royalty, a race to raise money, the relay jail, and the selling of luminaria bags done by the ELT. 

  Students and parents were eager to spend their money on a good cause.

  Many were grateful to listen to speakers who had firsthand been affected by cancer. People like the Oakes family spoke during the luminaria ceremony, along with TrueView financial coach, James DesRocher who spoke at the beginning of the night. It resonates with many to hear someone from their community honor someone lost or affected by cancer. It puts life into perspective. 

  Junior Mackenzie Difilippo said, “I enjoyed the luminaria ceremony because it shows we all relay for different reasons but we’re all here for the same cause.”

  The event also included aspects ranging from Zumba to speeches. 

  “I enjoyed getting to see everyone have a great time and dance, and also mourn, together and raise money for a great cause,” said Leonforte. 

  Most importantly, students are able to spend time with friends while supporting a great cause.

  Event sponsors to thank for the 2022 event included Nunan's, Curves, ABT Yoga, Osteria Peppino, Cherry Farm Creamery, and TrueView Financial.

   Currently, almost 4 million people take part in Relay events in over 5,000 communities in the United States. The American Cancer Society has put forth more than 400 million dollars in funding potentially life-saving cancer research grants. This event allows the Tri-Town to be a part of a bigger mission, to save lives. 

  The Relay for Life Tri-Town ELT is going into next year excited about what Relay 2023 has to offer.