Relay For Life Raises Over $90,000 to Fight Cancer 
Article by HS Senior Stephanie Jenks & Most Photos by HS Senior Mackenzie Crowley

On May 22nd, North Shore High School hosted its fourth annual Relay For Life. This overnight celebration has teams of friends, families, and community members walk around the high school track to raise spirits, awareness, and funds to help the fight against cancer. This year’s Relay for Life at North Shore High School raised over $90,000.

The night was kicked off with many speakers including Edward Mouradian, the American Cancer Society Representative, Julia Salat, Event Mentor, Marissa Moshell, Event Chair, Melissa Meehan, Event Chair, Andrew Fierstein, North Shore High School freshman and cancer survivor, and New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine. The first lap of the Relay for Life, also known as the survivor lap, honors all cancer survivors as they lead the first lap around the track. This symbolic lap brings hope to all participants that cancer is defeatable.

At nightfall, hundreds of luminaria candles were placed around the track and lit to create a beautiful tribute to honor loved ones who are currently battling cancer along with those who have perished. This year, Dawn Ryan spoke as the caregiver speaker to start the Luminaria Ceremony.

Over the course of the night, volunteers worked to keep donations flowing at the Relay Store, Raffle Tent, and Registration Booth. North Shore High School Senior and Event Chair Marissa Moshell said, “Relay For Life was a major success this year. When we started the process back in the winter we weren't exactly sure where the journey would take us, but we couldn't be happier with outcome.” She added, “If not for the love and dedication from the people in this community, this event would not have been possible. Relay is one of the few nights when everyone can stop for a moment and really witness that bond and love for one another firsthand.”

Melissa Meehan, also an Event Chair and North Shore High School Senior summarized by saying, “Being a part of the Relay for Life enabled Marissa and I to become really close with everyone involved and meet a lot of great people. This event opened our eyes to the endless possibilities that a community can accomplish through teamwork and dedication.”

Thank you to everyone involved with this year’s Relay for Life for such a successful event including: The Glen Head Lions Club who assisted at the registration table and the North Shore Kiwanis Club for organizing the BBQ for all attendees for the fourth year in a row.  Additionally, thanks to Moe's Deli for catering the annual Survivors Dinner and the Sea Cliff Bagel Cafe who donated the Relay breakfast.