BCHS HOSA active in Orange County Relay for Life

Bridge City High School’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), a school club, will be one of more than 44 teams participating at the 13th Annual Orange County Relay for Life, May 4 - 5, at the Bridge City High School Stadium.

The team is comprised of 30 11th and 12th Grade students that have been participating in the Orange County American Cancer Society fundraiser for the past five years. It is led by Bridge City High School Health Science teacher/ team captain Robin Peveto.

Peveto is a registered nurse and was looking for a community service activity for her group of future health care workers. She had previously worked as a nurse in an oncology unit at an area hospital and knew of the prevalence of the disease in Southeast Texas. She suggested the event as an option.

“It has helped my students to think about others, as well as about how they can give back to the community. I think that they have found Relay for Life fun and have actually been surprised at how rewarding it can be to help others,” Peveto said.

The Bridge City High School HOSA Club begins planning for Relay for Life at the beginning of each school year.

“Returning club members who have participated stand up and share information about Relay for Life and tell new members what it is like to be there,” Peveto said.

The students vote to participate.

Relay for Life raises funds to help find a cure for cancer, celebrates survivorship, and remembers those that have lost their battle, during a 12-hour, all-night event that includes teams comprised of eight to 20 members.

Each team member is required to raise $100. Team members can fundraise individually or collectively.

The BC HOSA team raises funds through baked good sales during a Pink Out for Breast Cancer event at the school in the fall, several Relay for Life T-shirt sales throughout the year and popcorn sales at school prior to Relay.

To raise awareness, the team also places pink ribbons throughout the community as part of October’s breast cancer activities.

Parents of BCHS HOSA members have also participated with the team during the Relay for Life luminary candlelight ceremony which honors and remembers individuals who are fighting cancer, survivors, and those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Peveto’s family attends as well. She, and her students, enjoy sharing the experience and passing Relay for Life on to others.

“I have had former students that because they participated in Relay for Life in high school, continue to be active in Relay for Life after they graduate. They find a team in the community or with their work place, in order to continue,” she said.

Peveto said the team appreciates the Bridge City High School campus administration and BCISD School Board. Both are supportive of their efforts.

“The students feel like they are making a difference in the world. They enjoy the camaraderie of the community coming together to fight cancer,” she said.

And the team is making an impact, since joining the Relay, BCHS HOSA has raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Teams and individuals are welcome to join the May 4 - 5, 2012 event.

Team captain meetings are scheduled for March 26, April 17, April 23, and April 30 at Lamar State College - Orange, Wilson Building, room 101. For more information contact Shari Lyons at [email protected]; or Jacki Burleson at 553-5576. Teams may also register online at http://www.orangecountyrelay.org”www.orangecountyrelay.org.