On Sept. 30, Hauppauge High School’s turf field was a sea of pink as students, staff and community members gathered to show their support at the 18th annual Kicks for Cancer event. This year, the event raised more than $44,000, bringing the cumulative total raised over the years to hit the one-million-dollar mark.
Kicks for Cancer was created to support and honor Courtney Tomkin, a Hauppauge student who was diagnosed with brain cancer at 17 years old. Following her diagnosis, Alexis Gonzalez, the girls varsity soccer team’s goalkeeper at the time, approached coach Jesseca Kulesa with the idea to help Courtney and her family. That idea became the spark that started what is now a cherished community tradition.
Beneath the glow of the Robert Druckenmiller Field lights, the crowd erupted with cheers as the boys and girls soccer teams took the field, sporting pink uniforms in honor of the cause. The boys team faced off against Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School, earning a dominant 9-0 victory. The girls team competed against Comsewogue High School, playing a hard-fought game that ended in a narrow 0-1 loss. Between games, the energy remained high thanks to performances by the Hauppauge kickline, color guard and pep band.
The night was more than just soccer; it was a community celebration. Food trucks and vendor tents offered everything from homemade gifts and sweet treats to Kicks for Cancer merchandise. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including bounce houses and raffles. All proceeds from the event will go toward cancer research and efforts to find a cure in memory of Courtney.
Photo captions:
1: Hauppauge High School student-volunteers sold raffle tickets in support of Kicks for Cancer.
2-3: The Hauppauge boys soccer team played Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School at Kicks for Cancer, winning 9-0.
4-5: The Hauppauge girls team competed against Comsewogue High School at Kicks for Cancer, playing a hard-fought game that ended in a narrow 0-1 loss.
6: The Hauppauge kickline team performed during the Kicks for Cancer halftime show.
Photos courtesy of Hauppauge School District
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