Waltham Football and Cheer Unite for Annual Yellow Game in Support of Declan Lyons and Childhood Cancer Awareness

The Waltham High School Hawks football and cheerleading programs recently came together for a special evening that meant far more than the final score, continuing a heartfelt tradition of supporting Declan Lyons and raising awareness for pediatric cancer.

For the past four years, Waltham’s annual Childhood Cancer Yellow Game has brought student-athletes, coaches, families, and community members together to show their support for Declan, the son of Waltham High School Assistant Principal Robert Lyons, and to stand alongside families impacted by childhood cancer.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of how sports can unite a community and make a meaningful difference beyond the field.

A Sea of Yellow for a Special Cause

While Waltham High School’s Superfans typically select themes for football games throughout the season, one tradition has remained constant: the annual Yellow Game each September.

During this special game, the football team takes the field surrounded by a sea of yellow as students and fans fill the stands wearing yellow shirts to demonstrate their support.

Waltham’s varsity cheerleaders also play an important role, wearing yellow bows and helping spread the message of childhood cancer awareness throughout the evening.

A large “Declan Strong” banner displayed at the field serves as a meaningful reminder that the night is about something much bigger than football.

Together, the football players, cheerleaders, and fans create an atmosphere of encouragement, hope, and unity for Declan and his family.

Thumbs Up for Dec: A Community Standing Together

The Yellow Game is part of a larger community movement known as “Thumbs Up for Dec,” which began after Declan was diagnosed with a brain tumor and later pediatric cancer.

Since then, the Waltham community has continued to rally around Declan and the Lyons family, demonstrating the strength of a community that comes together to support one of its own.

The annual game provides an opportunity for students and families to show Declan that he is not alone in his journey while also raising awareness for the many children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Through the simple but powerful act of wearing yellow, cheering together, and showing their support, Waltham student-athletes are helping keep an important message of hope alive.

Student-Athletes Leading with Compassion

Waltham High School Varsity Cheerleading Captain Kaylee Peterson shared the meaning behind the annual tradition and the important role student-athletes play in keeping it going.

Peterson explained that while the themes of most football games change from week to week, the Yellow Game has remained a meaningful tradition for four years.

Under the leadership of cheerleading coach Kerrie Blanchard, the cheer program continues to help bring attention to childhood cancer awareness and encourage the school community to stand behind Declan and his family.

By participating in this annual event, Waltham’s football players and cheerleaders are demonstrating that being part of a team means more than competing. It also means showing compassion, supporting others during difficult times, and using their voices to make a positive impact.

Making a Difference Beyond the Field

Waltham’s Childhood Cancer Yellow Game is a powerful example of how school athletics can bring people together for a cause greater than the game itself.

Beyond supporting Declan and the Lyons family, the event helps shine a light on pediatric cancer and the challenges faced by children and families affected by the disease.

The continued dedication of Waltham’s student-athletes, coaches, students, and supporters reflects the values of teamwork, kindness, leadership, and community service.

By carrying on this tradition year after year, the Hawks are showing that even small gestures of support can have a lasting impact.

Hawks Strong, Declan Strong

For the Waltham High School community, the Yellow Game represents the true meaning of teamwork: standing together, lifting others up, and making sure no family faces difficult times alone.