Schools

Relay For Life Reaches Its Goal

The June 15-16 Relay For Life hit its fundraising goal this week and that couldn't make organizer Devon Wallick much happier about his senior project.

Devon Wallick is feeling “very relieved” as he prepares to graduate from Barrington High School on Sunday.

The senior's relief, though, comes from something other than knowing he is completing high school. It comes from the student-run Relay For Life reaching its fundraising goal.

“I’m really happy we met our goal,” said Devon, whose senior project is the organization of what has become an annual event at the high school. “Now I can really start enjoying everything.”

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The goal was $30,000, Devon said. The bottom line stood at more than $31,000 as of Wednesday afternoon with more than a week to go before the June 15-16 relay for the American Cancer Society.

“It took a lot of weight off my shoulders,” said Devon. “When I started last September, I didn’t realize how good it would feel. I feel ready for the event now.”

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There is still some work to be done, he said, such as getting through T-shirt day tomorrow, June 8, in the cafeteria of the high school. It runs from 2:30 to 7 pm.

Anyone who signed up to raise money or spend the night at the Relay For Life should stop by to get their T-shirt and the final schedule. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 420 people had signed up to participate, Devon said. He expects that number to increase as the day of the event nears.

"You can walk up and register," he said. "I did that at the East Providence relay last week."

You can also sign up tomorro to volunteer to set up the football field for the Relay, he said.

“We’re looking for volunteers to set up the tents, track signs, banners and other facilities,” he said.

The set-up will start at noon on Friday, June 15.

The Relay For Life itself kicks off at 6 pm with the opening ceremony. It runs through Saturday morning around 6 am. Relay-for-Lifers will take turns circling the track at the high school through the night while enjoying a host of entertainment at the same time.

Devon said he did a run-through yesterday with his senior project mentor, Kelsey Pickering of the American Cancer Society; BHS Principal Joseph Hurley, and George Finn, athletics and activities director at the high school.

“She has been incredibly helpful,” he said, giving Pickering a great deal of credit. “She knows what we need and where to get it. Sand for the luminaries and extension cords, for example."

From the looks of a schedule Devon had in his ever-present planning notebook on Wednesday, everything seems under control.

“I’m very excited about it,” Devon said. “I think I’m even more excited than for graduation.”


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