HERMISTON, Ore.-Hermiston High School kicked off Spirit Week festivities with a “Dig Pink” Volleyball game against Walla Walla on October 16.
While the Bulldogs and Blue Devils faced off across the net, the match put a spotlight on breast cancer awareness and community support.
Hermiston’s ASB, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club, volleyball team, and the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation (GSCHF) joined forces to promote the importance of early detection and breast cancer awareness.
“As a team, the girls really believe in service to others,” said Hermiston Head Coach Daniel Headley. “As a coaching staff we have given them opportunities to learn how to be kind, work as a team, and serve a purpose beyond themselves.”
The HOSA Club offered face painting at the game and displayed a banner signed by cancer survivors as a powerful message of hope and a reminder of the importance of screening and early detection.
The GSCHF had a table at the game with community resources concerning screenings and support for cancer patients and survivors.
“We’re there trying to get the word out about awareness and early detection, as well as the resources and support that are available,” said Liz Marvin, Executive Director of the GSCHF.
Fans were decked out in pink, the Bulldogs wore purple bows in honor of a Hermiston student-athlete who is dealing with cancer, and the GSCHF provided goodie bags and tossed pink shirts into the stands between sets.
Hermiston vs. Walla Walla
As for the game itself, Hermiston swept Walla Walla in straight sets, coming from behind to pull out a close 28-26 win in the third game.
With the win, Hermiston improved to 3-2 in MCC play and 7-6 overall. The Bulldogs will next travel to Pasco to take on Chiawana on October 21.
“This was our largest Dig Pink event, and a lot of people helped make this a success,” said Coach Headley. “We joined with Liz Marvin and the incredible staff at Good Shepherd to raise awareness about breast cancer and making sure women schedule screenings so it can be caught early.”
Dig Pink
The Side Out Foundation started in 2005 with the goal of helping people living with metastatic breast cancer see more tomorrows.
Volleyball matches, dedicated events for schools and communities to come together and fundraise in support of breast cancer research, are one of the ways the Side Out Foundation works to support its mission.
Schools interested in hosting a “Dig Pink” event can choose a date, register with the Foundation, and set a fundraising goal.
Walla Walla hosted a “Dig Pink” event earlier in the week to raise money for a local Walla Walla hospital, and the match against Hermiston was another opportunity to play for a cause.
“With both of these events happening this week, it reminds us life is bigger than volleyball, and we played tonight for those who have been impacted by breast cancer,” said Walla Walla Head Coach Lindsey Schantz. “Let’s continue to raise awareness and offer support.”
Funds raised at the Hermiston vs. Walla Walla “Dig Pink” match, including proceeds from baskets made by the volleyball team and auctioned off, will be donated to the family of the Hermiston student-athlete diagnosed with cancer.
“Glow for Hope” Spirit Week
“Glow for Hope” Spirit Week, October 20-24, is a series of themed days and activities designed to bring Hermiston High students and staff together in support of cancer awareness.
Each day includes interactive events such as twin day, athletic challenges, and a color day where students wear colors representing different types of cancer, according to Hermiston High ASB.
“Overall, the goal of these events is to create something bigger than a single game, a week that brings our students, staff, and community together to show support, learn more about cancer awareness, and stand united in hope,” said ASB leadership advisor, McKenzie Davis.
Custom “Glow for Hope” neon Hermiston logo T-shirts featuring a glowing cancer ribbon will be sold at Hermiston’s home football game against Pasco on October 24 to continue raising awareness and promoting unity.
Pasco ASB officers have been provided with shirts featuring their own school logo and are invited to participate in Hermiston’s tailgate and neon-themed football game, according to Davis.
Hemiston ASB will also once again partner with the GSCHF for goodie bags and pink T-shirts to give away at the football game.
