On Monday, March 17th, there was
much to celebrate at St. Rita of Cascia High School, though the
day was not without an undertone of sobriety. Irish heritage, a
Hockey Championship, and a benefit for cancer research found
themselves under one roof in the school gym.
Immediately after opening prayers, every
student crammed into the gym bleachers, bristling with
excitement. Their enthusiasm found a voice as the hockey team,
led by Coach Craig Ferguson, processed into the crowd to the tune
of the school fight song, hoisting the Catholic League Kennedy Cup
high into the air for all to see. Finishing out an epic three
game battle with Fenwick the previous Thursday, this year’s hockey
team had an amazing season, going undefeated in Catholic League
play, progressing into the state semifinals, and then battling
back from behind in the two critical series that brought the
Kennedy Cup to Rita for the first time since 1992. The team
looked up with pride and the crowd cheered as the banner was
unfurled from the gym ceiling. Congratulations to the team and
all its supporters.
Congratulations are also extended to Jamere
Walton, who was presented with a plaque for his first place finish
in the State 3-point shoot-out, where he also defeated the other 3
class winners in a King of the Hill finale.
So the mood was exceedingly high when the
rally welcomed its next guest, Pat Elwood from Fox News Chicago.
Pat was present at St. Rita that morning to broadcast live with a
segment on St. Baldrick’s Day. St. Baldrick’s is the world's
largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer
research. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity
of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support
from friends and family. This is the second year that St. Rita is
participating in the Fox Chicago Schools Challenge for St.
Baldrick’s.
The cameras were rolling as the first of the
Rita students and faculty had their heads shaved in front of the
entire gym. As the locks fell to the floor, the student body
cheered wildly, knowing that the proceeds from the over 140
shavees would go directly to funding children’s cancer research.
Eleven professional stylists volunteered their time to make sure
that bald was beautiful for the shavees. In this year’s event,
St. Rita raised over $20,000 for St. Baldrick’s. Thanks to
everyone who helped make this day a great success.
