Each year, Putnam City High School hosts tradition called Cancer Carnival to raise money for cancer research. It lasts a week and in each of those days there is a fun event that helps encourages students and faculty to donate for the cause.
”Cancer Carnival week shows me that there are people who are battling cancer or have family that are and we don’t know it until we host this event. It was a good opportunity to help the school for research for those in need of the money for it. Being a part of royalty is just a good way to raise extra money for cancer research and it’s such a fun way to do it” senior Dasha Bell said.
The 1st day was a “Crazy Olympics” assembly where students paid $1.00 to watch staff and classmates compete in wacky challenges. The final assembly, held in the gym was free to attend, and celebrated the week’s success.
“I don’t know anyone personally who has cancer but Putnam City High School has opened my eyes and made me have more empathy for people who do have it. During Cancer Carnival week I donated a lot so seeing the overall amount of money we raised was motivating. PCO puts on a good performance every year and we usually raise more than other schools. Without Mrs. Schmidt, STUCO, and the students, Cancer Carnival would not be what it is. I decided to be a part of royalty because I’m a senior and if there’s one thing I can win it would be raising money. But if not it’s still for cancer research, so I really don’t care if I lose. It was a really good opportunity to open my bubble and raise money for cancer” senior Jossalyn Lonebear said.
The Blacklight Assembly was another way to raise money. Blacklight Assembly is when many different organizations, clubs, and sports performed choreographed dances under blacklight effects. Students paid $1.00 to attend.
”The tradition behind Cancer Carnival started so long ago and we were the first school to start this. Then North and West followed along. There was need and we wanted to fill it. A couple of teachers got together and made this happen. This year we raised $14,224.26. The purpose behind Cancer Carnival week is to raise money for research and the thought that there’s not a cure yet is absolutely ridiculous. So anything we can do to push that along and help those individuals that are battling cancer to get closer to a cure we were happy to help,” Activities director Mrs. Schmidt said.
The lunch carnival is the day where students bring money for the food trucks, inflatables, and games. “Penny Wars” was another way to raise money where students competed to raise the most spare chang. The winning grade got to be first in line for the food trucks.
”I helped my school with Cancer Carnival because cancer is a big diagnosis and is something that is so difficult to deal. It can change your quality of life. I decided to be a part of royalty because it seemed like something fun to do and so I gave it a shot” senior Henry Peterson said.
