Flint Hill Students Place First in Relay Fundraising

Thirty-one Flint Hill School students, guided by biology teacher Cyndi Hoffman and supported by four faculty members and an FHS parent, raised $7,745 as part of George Mason University’s overnight "Relay for Life" event April 21 in support of the American Cancer Society.

Their efforts earned them first place in fundraising for the program.

The group’s commitment to participate began back in March when the team "FHS Huskies for a Cure" sponsored an in-school electronics drive, which not only supported the American Cancer Society but also encouraged environmental awareness by keeping these items out of landfills. They also held three very successful bake sale fundraisers and worked together as a team to make 100 handmade purple bracelets to sell at the Relay event. 

On April 21, they joined teams from around the area on the GMU campus, where individual members immediately took a "Survivors Lap," an inspirational time to celebrate victories achieved over cancer. A 9 p.m. "Luminaria Ceremony" allowed participants to reflect on the lives of those lost and those fighting cancer. 

"So many of our students have been touched by cancer in their young lives —mothers, grandparents, aunts, close family friends," said Hoffman, who lost her father two years ago to pancreatic cancer. "Our students were walking arm in arm, supporting each other during this time of quiet reflection. They were so invested in the mission of this event, that it was truly an honor to sacrifice one night's sleep with these fine individuals. 'Relay for Life' is an amazing way to fight back and to offer hope and support for those still fighting the fight. I think they all learned a valuable lesson in compassion, one of the four core values of our school.”