Number of Participants: 3
Hours Donated: 20
Value of Time Served: $2,087
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Basketball
School: Smithtown High School-West
Date: January 28, 2026
Location:
Smithtown West High School
Central Road, Smithtown
NY
About:
Student leadership and community impact were on full display at Smithtown High School West as members of Team NOVA took action to support the fight against blood cancer through Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign.
Led by team captains Molly Hyland, Ava Devlin, and Isla Bareham, the student group has been working to raise both awareness and critical funds to help advance lifesaving cancer research, provide educational resources, and support patients and families navigating treatment. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to advocacy and service within the school community.
As part of their campaign, Team NOVA hosted food sales during recent varsity basketball games, creating an opportunity for fans and students to contribute while enjoying the excitement of game night. Offering items such as pizza, snacks, and drinks in the school commons, the initiative successfully combined school spirit with a meaningful cause.
The team’s name, NOVA, symbolizes their mission to spark meaningful change — much like the sudden brightness of a new star — representing their goal to shine together in the fight against cancer. Through collaboration, creativity, and determination, these student leaders continue to demonstrate how young people can drive real impact.
With strong support from the Smithtown Booster Club and the broader school community, Team NOVA is helping to mobilize awareness, encourage advocacy, and make a tangible difference for individuals affected by blood cancer. Their work stands as a powerful example of how student-athletes and peers can unite to support causes that extend far beyond the classroom and the court.
