St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, Mass., prepares its students to excel in college and also in life. The school fosters a caring community environment and encourages students to serve others.
The St. Mary’s baseball team demonstrated these values when they took action to support their coach, Troy Collins, when his mother-in-law, Nancy Rheaume, was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and underwent treatment at the Mass General Cancer Center. The players organized a baseball game fundraiser to honor Nancy and support breast cancer research at Mass General.
The 26 organizers, ranging in age from 7th graders to seniors, worked together to plan junior varsity and varsity baseball games with Westfield Vocational High School. They designed pink t-shirts to wear in the games and promote their cause, and advertised the event in their town newspaper. The games drew a large audience and raised almost $3,000.
The fundraiser also raised the spirits of everyone involved, from Coach Troy and his family to the many friends and neighbors from both schools who took part in the event. With heart and skill, the team rallied their community to support a beloved family and an urgent cause.
