VHHS Relay surpasses quarter million dollar fundraising goal

Despite having to reschedule its Relay for Life event, Vestavia Hills High School's Relay for Life team once again surpassed its fundraising goal.

At an event on Friday, April 13, the group announced it had raised more than a quarter of a million dollars — $253,505.38 to be exact — for The American Cancer Society and the Oncology Department of Children's Hospital. The student-led event started with the survivor dinner, during which cancer survivors and their families were able to grab a bite to eat before heading out to the football field for the opening ceremony.

During the opening ceremony, Pizitz Middle School student Will Nailen was surprised with a trip to Lake Tahoe. In 2017, Nailen was diagnosed with small cell osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and the trip was presented by Magic Moments.

The survivor walk followed, at which time survivors and their families walked the VHHS track, as students lined the inside of the football field and cheered. Students then returned to the practice field behind the VHHS gym, where they could purchase food or play games to continue raising money for Relay. 

The total amount raised was announced at 11 p.m.