The Waynesburg University Student Activities Board (SAB) is hosting a Relay for Life event on April 16, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Johnson Commons. Be sure to attend in order to make a great crowd for a great cause.

This event is created with the assistance of the American Cancer Society and is used to promote “ending cancer as we know it,” the Relay for Life website said. These Relay for Life events are also used as a celebration for those currently battling cancer and those who are caregivers, while also honoring those who have lost their lives. 

The event’s tasks include a survivor lap and cheer performance, a minute to win it challenge, a performance from the Lamplighters and line dancing with Waynesburg University mascot Sting.

The assistant director of the SAB, Kevin Thacker, is in this year’s event. Thacker talked about how joyful it is for a student led organization to be able to connect with the American Cancer Society.

“It’s a blessing to be able to collaborate with national organizations,” Thacker said. “To spread awareness and to build community through service is always great. It brings the community together.”

Thacker will be leading off the event in the survivor lap. Thacker talked about his emotions knowing he would set the tone for the event.

“It is an honor to go first. I definitely feel no pressure. It is great to be first and get things started. I am excited to get students hyped up, involved, and excited,” Thacker said. 

Newly signed head coach for the Waynesburg University football team, Larry Wilson, is one of the 12 participants for the event at the campus of Waynesburg University. Wilson mentioned what it is like to be able to get involved with school sponsored events so quickly in his time here.

“It’s been very enjoyable the first four months here at Waynesburg. The faculty and staff have been very supportive and welcoming,” Wilson said. 

Due to this acceptance, Wilson will be highlighted as the sendoff for this event at Waynesburg University for he will be the last participant to relay. Wilson mentioned what it meant to him to be involved with this event.

“To be able to be part of the event is great. To aid [the] American Cancer Society in any way possible is an honor,” Wilson said. 

Graduate assistant for Student Engagement, Ashley D’Allesandro, is another student figure that is taking on the relay. D’Allesandro explained how important it was for her to have this event on the campus of Waynesburg University. 

“Taking part in an event such as this one as a graduate assistant is highly significant for me,” D’Allesandro said. “Being able to give back to Waynesburg University, in addition to contributing to a cause that while supporting a cause that brings people together for something bigger than ourselves. Having an important role of leader and mentor, I believe that this activity provides me with an excellent example of what it takes to be committed, compassionate, and selfless.”

D’Allesandro gave her thoughts on how she will leave her impact on the event and how big of an effect the significance behind the Relay for Life has. 

“I have not participated in this event before, but I am truly excited to be involved. Knowing that it supports a meaningful cause makes the experience even more special,” D’Allesandro said. “I’m looking forward to contributing, learning more about the impact it has, and being part of something that holds deep significance for so many people.”

Timothy Thunberg, a counselor at Waynesburg University, will also be relaying in the event. Thunberg gave a few words about what it means for Waynesburg University and its campus to connect with the American Cancer Society.

“It’s exciting for me to be part of Relay for Life at Waynesburg because every organization hosts the event in a different way,” Thunberg said. “I have been a part of the event through multiple other organizations and am looking forward to seeing how Waynesburg adds their own unique style and perspective to the event.”

Thunberg incited his personal connection to the American Cancer Society. 

“It is really meaningful to me to pair with the America Cancer Society because my daughter is a cancer survivor who served as a ribbon cutter for Relay for Life in Westmoreland County a little over 10 years ago,” Thunberg said. “Sometimes, it feels like problems like cancer are so big that we can’t do anything about them, but when local organizations like Waynesburg connect with the American Cancer Society, it allows people to feel like they can make a difference in the big picture of fighting cancer.  I am excited to do my part this week.”

Other participants in the event include Tim Thunberg, TJ Hyland, Anthony Jarrell, Aaron Sielski, Caroline Poole, Dr. Larry Stratton, Bob Barnhart, Mary Woessner and Larissa Howe.