Students recognized for support of American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society leaders Kelly Doss and Samantha Taylor attended the October rivalry football game between Mountain Brook and Vestavia High Schools to present awards to student leaders, advisors and principals of each school. They were recognized for their service and dedication to help end the fight against cancer through their successful Relay For Life events that were held earlier this year. 

Both schools participate in Relay For Life every year and have consistently exceeded their goals. In 2013, the schools contributed almost $500,000 to the fight for less cancer and more birthdays. 

“We have always known locally that these events would be huge successes,” said Kelly Doss, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society. “But it is really exciting when our local events start to gain national attention. 

 The Mountain Brook and Vestavia Relay For Life events were both named a Top Five Youth Event in the country this year, raising a collective $468,000 for the American Cancer Society. The Vestavia event is ranked fourth out of 150 events. 

Vestavia High School Principal Wes Gordon was recognized for his support along with student leaders Anne Peyton Baker, Catherine Kinney, Mary Fran Wright, Paul Roth and Katie Reiss from Mountain Brook and Chandler Cahoon, Joe Peterson, Brooke Westhoven and John David Walker from Vestavia. Also recognized were faculty advisors from each school, Angie Richardson from Vestavia High School and William Kornegay, former advisor, and current advisors Katrina McGuire and Jackie Hayes from MBHS.