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On Monday, September 23rd, the Pat-Med Raider Field Hockey team will host its 17th annual “Stick it to Cancer” fundraiser as part of the “Play 4 A Cure” initiative. This long-standing event brings together both the Varsity and JV teams, along with a dedicated group of around 40 student-athletes and team managers. Over the years, it has grown into a cherished tradition, involving not only the current team but also alumni and former players’ families who return each year to support the cause.

The student-athletes play a pivotal role in every aspect of the event. From creating raffle baskets and soliciting donations from local businesses to selling tickets throughout the community, their efforts are vital to the fundraiser’s success. In the days leading up to the game, players promote the event on social media, sell tickets to faculty, staff, and students, and engage their families and friends in supporting this meaningful cause. Additionally, the players bake and bring snacks for sale at the event to raise even more funds.

On game day, the team helps set up tables and tents, decorates the venue, and manages various stations during the games. JV players work during the Varsity game and vice versa, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Their responsibilities don’t end there — they also handle clean-up, raffle basket deliveries, and the drawing of winners. Each player has dedicated at least six hours of volunteer time, with many contributing even more if they sold on additional days.

This event is much more than just a fundraiser — it’s a community celebration. Booster club parents provide tremendous support, and the entire field hockey family comes together to contribute to the cause. The tradition has fostered a spirit of unity and compassion that resonates throughout the team, extending to alumni who continue to participate even years after they’ve graduated.

“Stick it to Cancer” is just one of many community service events that the Pat-Med Raider Field Hockey team participates in each year. Their commitment to making a difference in the community reflects the core values of teamwork, service, and dedication. Stay tuned for more updates and photos from this event and a list of other community service endeavors that the team is involved in throughout the year.

We hope to see you there on Monday as we come together to “Play 4 A Cure” and support this incredible cause!

Childhood cancer has affected too many families in the community and across the country, and the Burlington Football team has committed to doing its part to help. This season, the team is dedicating its efforts to Tackling Childhood Cancer, inspired by a local hero, Roman “RO.” After being introduced to Roman through the Burlington PMC Kids Ride and the Steiner family, the football team immediately knew that Roman’s fight was their fight. Roman’s courageous spirit and big smile have become a source of motivation for the players to give their all on the field for him.

Burlington Football decided to honor Roman during their first home game against Woburn, the “Battle of Winn Street.”The game will feature a Red Out, with Roman leading the team onto the field as Honorary Captain for the coin toss. The team, in partnership with Show Apparel, launched the “We Play for Ro” Campaign, selling #stROng Red Out shirts, with all proceeds supporting the Burlington PMC Kids Ride for The Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber. Fans and students will flood the stands in red, standing united with Roman in his battle against cancer.

The Burlington Football team isn’t alone in their efforts. The Lady Devils Cheer squad will host a 50/50 raffle during the game, and Burlington Womenade is running a campaign in support of Roman and his family through an ice cream social, raffles, and donations throughout September. Every dollar raised will go directly to Roman’s family to help with increasing medical bills. Donations can be made through Venmo to @Burlington-Womenade or @burlingtonpmckidsto support Roman and Dana Farber.

On September 29th, Burlington football players will also be volunteering at the Burlington PMC Kids Ride, serving as ride marshals and water station helpers. They are eager to cheer on Roman, his sister Mila, and all participants aged 2-15 as they take part in this wonderful event.

Through these heartfelt efforts, the Burlington community shows its unwavering support for Roman, proving that his fight is one they all share.

Smithtown West held it’s 15th annual “Play 4 The Cure” field hockey game honoring the memory of St. James Elementary School teacher, Sara Long Harte on Sept. 19. Each year Smithtown West team dedicates this game to Sarah, who passed away due to breast cancer. The event raised $400 for The Sara Long Harte Memorial scholarship fund.

Long Harte taught at St. James Elementary School, the very same elementary school where she attended as a child, for eight years. Her immeasurable impact throughout the community in such a short period lives on today through a Scholarship Fund, a Memorial Garden and a hand-crafted picket fence in front of the St. James Elementary School which was built to honor her by a former student.

High School West sophomore, Danni Blackstone, sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem before the game.

 

Photo caption: Smithtown West held it’s 15th annual “Play 4 The Cure” field hockey game honoring the memory of St. James Elementary School teacher, Sara Long Harte on Sept. 19.

 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

This past weekend, the Guilderland Cross Country (GIXC) team ran with heavy hearts as they dedicated their race to the memory of a friend and classmate who was tragically lost in an accident. The event became more than just a competition—it was a moment of healing and remembrance.

What made this experience even more special was the overwhelming support from other schools, who joined in by signing a poster in honor of the teammate and helping GIXC through the healing journey. This gesture of solidarity highlighted the unique bond within the cross country community, where athletes come together to uplift one another in times of need.

It was a beautiful reminder that cross country is more than just a sport—it’s a family. The unity and compassion shown this weekend exemplified the strength and spirit that defines the GIXC team and the larger XC community.