In addition to their determination on the field and in the sports arena, Herricks athletes consistently make many efforts to help others and give back. Their service initiatives held during the fall season were largely successful and resulted in donations and contributions that will help to make a difference in others’ lives.
The football team raised money and awareness for Stop Soldier Suicide, a non-for-profit organization devoted to helping veterans. The director of Stop Soldier Suicide, Major Ian Fuller (US Army Retired), traveled from North Carolina to participate in this initiative and attend the homecoming pep rally and game. He was joined by Herricks alumnus Corporal Aaron Kim (US Marine Corp) and Sargent Frank Wirth (US Marine Corp).
Youth Against Cancer and the Herricks Football Program organized the fundraising project, “Herricks Tackles Leukemia,” which took place on Oct. 22 at the Herricks vs. MacArthur football game. This effort benefitted Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Pediatric Cancer division in honor of Ashley Kong, a Herricks student who lost her battle against leukemia two years ago. Orange is the color of Leukemia and the students sold orange t-shirts and bracelets throughout the week. Students and faculty donned the orange t-shirts in school on the Friday prior to the game as well as at the game. Youth Against Cancer volunteers sold baked goods at the game, and Ashley’s brother Taylor performed the opening coin toss.
The girls and boys varsity volleyball teams raised more than $1,400 at their annual Dig Pink Rally on Oct. 6 to benefit the Side-Out Foundation. The girls team took on Uniondale and the boys played against Syosset. This event brings together volleyball players from across the nation to raise funds for breast cancer research, demonstrate the power of teamwork and show support for people with the disease. All monies collected through Dig Pink support Side-Out’s game-changing cancer research and programs to develop the whole player.
Photo Captions:
Football Fundraisers: Herricks football players raised money and awareness for the Stop Soldier Suicide organization, as well as Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Pediatric Cancer division.
Dig Pink: The girls and boys varsity volleyball teams raised more than $1,400 at their annual Dig Pink Rally on Oct. 6 to benefit the Side-Out Foundation.
Photos courtesy of Herricks Public Schools
