Students in the EAST program have begun a new project to raise money for cancer. Seniors Eduardo Martinez and Cristal Hernandez created Relay For Life, a fundraiser benefiting American Cancer Society.

“This is a non profit organization. This goes to all sorts of cancer, cancer research, education and patient services,” said Hernandez.

The purpose of Relay for Life is to create teams of people from high schools and the community who will, in their own time, create their own fundraiser. The goal is to raise $30,000. Martinez and Hernandez provide ideas for fundraising such as games, bake sales, or garage sales.

“It will only be successful if we get student support,” said EAST teacher Debbie Lamb.

The big event will take place on March 29 where the teams will put together all the money and celebrate how much was fundraised. That day the teams will be able to come up with their own booth and do something to represent themselves and raise money. Some teams that have already signed up are Science club, National Honor Society, Quiz bowl, and many others.

“We’re doing it to support cancer,” said senior NHS president Alex Stillwell.

Martinez and Hernandez have been preparing by getting leadership training. Last semester they went to Nashville and they had a class a few weeks ago for team leaders and community members.

To form a team you need at least five people. Registration is online Relayforlife.org/harberhighschool.com. Simply click on “create team” and have everyone sign up under the same team. Teams can even have their own names.

“They have different names, for example, Purple Cheetahs,” said Martinez.

Mrs. Lamb commends her students for their job performance.

“It’s a great program,” said Lamb. “My students are putting forth a tremendous amount of effort. With excellent leadership from Eduardo Martinez and Cristal Hernandez, they are leading the team and doing an amazing job. They’re very passionate about working with the American Cancer Society and what they do.”

Although the purpose of Relay for Life is to organize teams there is also another goal.

“The main goal is to get the Springdale community involved, we’re even trying to get Springdale High School to help us,” said Hernandez.