Lydian Lions exceed Relay for Life fundraising goals — and get recognized for “most team spirit”
When Kathryn Diederich and Lauren Smedley learned they would be the new co-presidents of the student body at Lydian Academy in Menlo Park, they wanted to come up with a fresh event that would help boost school spirit early in the academic year.
By chance, Amy Boggs, a neighbor of Kathryn, happened to be the chair for the Relay for Life of Mid-Peninsula. She shared that this year, the annual relay would have a new format with no overnight campout, making it a much better fit for a team of middle and high schoolers. Kathryn and Lauren thought it was a great idea, particularly because they had both lost beloved grandmothers to cancer, and they were inspired to try to make a difference.
They set a goal of getting half their classmates to participate, raising an average of $100 in sponsorship per student, which they beat, ultimately generating $3,185.41 for the American Cancer Society. To drive excitement, they devised promotions such as promising a pizza party on campus if the team hit their target and having everyone at school dress in purple on Friday to rally support.
Amy and the other organizers helped make it more enticing by attracting a range of vendors and volunteer performers to create a festival-like atmosphere in Burgess Park, including inviting Menlo Park firefighters, who came out to make dinner for all the race participants.
Freshman Saumya Mehta said, “All the entertainment today made it even more fun than I expected. My favorite thing was getting to photograph my teammates sitting in the old-timey cars for our yearbook.”
The event wrapped up with awards, and the Lydian Lions were recognized for “Most Team Spirit.”
With 22 teams and 100 participants, the Relay for Life of Mid-Peninsula raised over $95,000 for the American Cancer Society. With a satellite event at Hillview Middle School next month, the community hopes to reach its funds raising goal of $100,000 to fund cancer research and patient support.
Pictured top, left to right: Lauren Smedley, Saumya Mehta, and team captain Kathryn Diederich.
