October 27, 2005

Cancer Drive 11: KIDS CARING FOR KIDS: REMEMBERING LAURA

10th Anniversary

Cancer Drive Committee under Principal Bruce Bourget:

Chair Yunni Jeong (LCS Student Chair)
Mr. Mike Cole (LCS Staff Advisor and Coordinator)
Mrs. Pina Cotesta (Community Advisor)
Ms. Laura Stanyon (LCS Staff)
Mr. David Bertrim (LCS Staff)

The Motivational Assembly played a more prominent role this year, with a full program to offer inspiration and background knowledge. To start, Chair Yunni Jeong and teacher Mr. Jerry Geiger sang “The Prayer,” establishing a serious and sensitive mood. Then, LCS Principal Bruce Bourget addressed the students directly, “You are proof the youth of today can make a difference and care about others and that people can do things for someone else’s benefit with no gain for yourself.” His words echoed the original purpose of that first cancer drive: community volunteerism and leadership, empathy, and cancer support and education for young people.

Former teacher-organizer Ms. Ada Della Penta, now Lively DSS Principal, returned to speak to the students at the assembly. She recalled how the cancer drive began in 1995, and how Laura’s death impacted students, “The success of the campaign ‘is a tremendous tribute to kids and high school students and the inspiration they give.’” To give the student perspective, Peter Holson spoke of his experiences as a cancer drive volunteer, emphasizing the feeling of being part of something positive and larger than oneself.

For students who did not know Laura, Chairperson Yunni Jeong described Laura’s story, highlighting her key qualities of strength and optimism. Finally, community guest speaker, Gerry Lougheed Jr., spoke to the assembled staff and student body: “The efforts of all the students and the partnership with the Northern Cancer Research Foundation has produced a winning scenario for paediatric patients at the Regional Cancer Program. . . Everyone benefits.” The students and staff were well-prepared to undertake this eleventh cancer drive.

The Thank You Assembly was held Nov. 1, 2015. Principal Bourget congratulated the students on a job well done. Melissa Cotesta, Laura’s sister and LCS graduate, returned with a PowerPoint of visuals and music, reminding students of the roots of their cancer drive. Then, Mrs. Pina Cotesta, Laura’s mother and Community Campaign Advisor, thanked students, staff, and all community supporters for their incredible efforts and generosity. On a more personal note, she shared lines from one of Laura’s English class journals: “Believe in yourself – in the power you have to control your own life, day by day. . . If you just trust and believe, there’s no limit to what you can do.”

Yunni and the Cancer Drive Committee presented a cheque for $27,000 to a representative of the NEORCC. Mr. Lougheed returned to add his thank you to the students. Principal Bourget added to the students’ celebration of success with a pizza lunch, a reward always welcomed with enthusiasm!

Laura Stradiotto, Laura’s friend and a Sudbury Star reporter at the time wrote about Laura: “Her spirit and determination far outgrew her five-foot frame.” The students and staff of Lockerby have taken on that spirit and determination, demonstrating community leadership in making a difference in the lives of children.

November 2, 2006

Cancer Drive 12 KIDS CARING FOR KIDS: REMEMBERING LAURA

Inspired and enthused by the success of past cancer drives, this year’s committee brought energy and ideas to the campaign. The students wanted to make this year’s campaign even bigger but understood that they first needed to rely on the foundation of the annual plan that had already proven itself successful, year after year. The number of committee volunteers was increased and as a result, more organization was required. Weekly meetings began in early October under the guidance of Ms. Jennifer Peloso, and students were assigned responsibilities emphasizing accountability, communication, and deadlines.

Cancer Drive Committee under Principal Bruce Bourget:

LCS Student Co-chairs Regan Thompson and Andrew Malloy
Ms. Jennifer Peloso (LCS Teacher Advisor and Coordinator)
Ms. Giselle Beaudry (Assistant LCS Advisor); Mr. Mike Cole (LCS Teacher Advisor)
Mrs. Pina Cotesta (Community Advisor)
- Student Team: Jennifer Brooks; Jon Hey; Tat Dahavic; Naomi Cepetelli;
- Alex McCullagh; Laura Kurkimaki; Laura Principe; Jordana Parnel
Representative from the Cancer Centre

In their script to the media, the Committee announced their monetary goal of surpassing $27,000: “This night is not only a great opportunity for Lockerby students to show how generous high school students can be, but also a chance for our community to show the world why we’re the Greater City of Sudbury.” The largess of the school reached out to include their community – a perfect collaborative effort!

Then to boost awareness among their own students, the committee launched their first “Green Ribbon Campaign.” In addition to a $2.00 green ribbon fundraiser, sweatshirts with Lockerby’s campaign logo and ribbon were sold. The hallways were filled with the sight of students wearing green shirts and green ribbons; everyone was excited about cancer drive.

At the Motivational Assembly, presided over by Jon Hey, Co-chair Andrew Mulloy, reached out to the student body: “I am not asking you to do anything extraordinary, and I am not asking you to do anything dangerous, but I am asking you to be a hero. Do you know why the media comes to events like these? Because they know, and so does everybody watching, that to see over 500 heroes get together all at once is something that makes you feel like anything is possible.” He then introduced a video depicting Laura, noting that “she did not lose her fight with cancer; she passed on the torch, a torch that to carry, means never to stop fighting against a disease that takes more than lives, but hopes and dreams.”

The evening of Cancer Drive, teachers and parents ferried students out to areas of the city now including Valley East, Lively, Azilda, the Ramsey Lake and Long Lake areas, as well the city proper. The mood was upbeat; students and staff were rewarded with pizza, hot chocolate, and congratulations as they returned to deliver their donations to a group of money counters in the front office. A total of $28,3000 was raised – a testament to the effort of highly motivated young people, supported by their community.

Peter Williams, local media personality, appeared at both the Motivational Assembly and Thank You Assembly. As a witness to the achievements of the past years of cancer drive, he offered his gratitude to the students for their annual efforts and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people with cancer and their families in Northeastern Ontario.

November 8, 2007

Cancer Drive 13 KIDS CARING FOR KIDS: REMEMBERING LAURA

This year’s cancer campaign picked up where last year’s left off, maintaining organization, inspiration, and enthusiasm! The Green Ribbon Campaign was repeated successfully and celebrated with a noon hour barbecue. Teacher packages were prepared, so that they would clearly understand their responsibilities, and boost participation on their own teams. Cancer drive T-shirts had become an annual reminder of student commitment to this worthwhile cause. Even special attention was devoted to Grade 9 students, newcomers to the campaign, so that they would feel personally welcomed into this school-wide initiative.

Cancer Drive Committee under Principal Bruce Bourget:

Co-chairs Alex McCullagh and Laura Principe (LCS Students)
Ms. Jennifer Peloso (LCS Staff and Student Council Advisor)
Mr. Mike Cole (LCS Advisor)
Student Team:
- Devin Lapierre, Tatiana Dahlvick, Natalie Peach, Jasmine Roy, Naomi Cepetelli, Jess Durette, Jayme-lee Breton, Kaitlin Nadorozny, Angela Tardiff, Matthew Buttazoni
Ms. Pina Cotesta (LCS Community Advisor)

The Motivational Assembly was carefully and thoughtfully organized: music, guest speakers, and information about the history of Lockerby’s Cancer Drive. Mr. Alex McCauley returned to remind students of the school’s heritage of generosity and to provide motivation. Once again, Daniela Cotesta – Laura’s sister – provided her thoughts and feelings about her sister-mentor and Cancer Drive.

This committee included a short instructional assembly, in which approximately 500 students were prepared for their interaction with the public, covering all the details. The drama club even presented scenarios depicting what to do and not to do during their canvassing. Vice-principals Ms. Jackie Balleny and Ms. Susan Kett spoke, emphasizing safety, respect, and responsibility as students pursued their mission.

On the night of the blitz, as usual, teacher and parent-leaders/drivers kept close watch over their team members, offering encouragement and sharing in the enthusiasm. The school’s main office was filled with volunteer teachers, administration, parents, Cotesta family members, and supporters ready to receive students and organize receipts and donations. The mood was celebratory as students gathered in the front foyer sharing stories and replenishing energy levels with the generous food donations from the community.

Teacher-advisor Jennifer Peloso acknowledged that Sudbury had embraced this cause: “We believe that the community understands Lockerby’s reason for continuing this tradition, and, just as importantly, more students than ever are becoming involved in our annual cancer drive and understand why it’s so important.

Follow-up to the evening remained an important component of the campaign including the writing and delivery of thank you cards for businesses donating refreshments or money, and an enthusiastic student display of a “Thank You Banner” at the corner of Paris and Walford Streets. The culmination was the Thank You Assembly; It began with a musical presentation - Brianna, Brooke, and Charlena sang “Imagine” by John Lennon.

Appreciation was expressed by Principal Bourget, Mr. Jerry Lougheed, Ms. Vicki Wilton (Paediatric Interlink Nurse), Matt Buttazoni to all students and staff. A special video made by the Cotesta family, summarizing past cancer drives was shown; then, the assembly concluded with a cheque presentation of $34,500. Student optimism and caring were recognized and honoured.

October 29, 2008

Cancer Drive 14 KIDS CARING FOR KIDS: REMEMBERING LAURA

With a cumulative total of over $285,000, the Lockerby Composite School Cancer Drive had become a community event. Laura’s memory continued to motivate students to do even more in meeting the challenge of youth cancer in Northeastern Ontario; the need for progressive patient care and leading-edge cancer research was growing, and Sudbury responded. Lockerby’s new principal, Ms. Heather Gaffney embraced cancer drive wholeheartedly, and became an active participant in its successes.

Cancer Drive Committee under Principal Heather Gaffney:

Co-chairs Jazmine Roy and Kemal Alladin
Ms. Jennifer Peloso (LCS Advisor and Coordinator)
Student Committee:
- Devin Lapierre, Alannah Luttrell, Kaitlin Nadorozny, Lauren Flewelling, Jaimee Lafreniere, Jayme-Lee Berton, Jill Querney
Ms. Pina Cotesta (LCS Community Advisor)

The students set a goal of $20,000, fully believing that organization and effort could meet the challenge. Motivational Assembly was an incredible event: Devin Lapierre emceed the assembly, and introduced Ms. Gaffney, who spoke of the reputation that Lockerby’s Cancer Drive had established in Sudbury and her excitement to be part of it this year. Representatives from the NRCF spoke about the difference that this fundraising made for children, for families, for research. Finally, students sat spellbound in the school gymnasium as the keynote speakers addressed them: Ms. Wendy Watson, General Manager for Big Daddy 103.9 FM and Mr. Mike Foligno, former professional hockey player and coach. They spoke about how cancer drive helps families and communities, as well as, what being a community leader requires. For Mr. Foligno, the cause was personal; his wife was battling cancer and would pass away the following year. He and his family have since established The Janis Foligno Foundation to support families coping with cancer.

As bonus motivation, Ms. Watson provided tickets to a Headley concert; Mr. Foligno donated Sudbury Wolves game tickets and an autographed Ottawa Senators jersey.

The students and teachers responded to the motivation. Teams were organized, and friendly competitions ensued; “Show Me the Money” challenged all teams, including “Cool Beats,” “Cool Camp,” “Star War,” “B-Wall,” “Lively,” “Extreme North,” “Double A Battery, and last but not least, “The Valley Boys.” Who could forget those morning PA announcements from Hatzis/Gray/Graham/Klempe? Motivating and fun!

In a letter-to-the-editor in the Northern Life, Co-chair Jazmine Roy reached out to the community: “Should you choose to donate . . ., you’d be choosing to help children get proper cancer treatment in Sudbury. You’d be choosing to give children the opportunity to stay in school [with] their friends, to remain at home with their loved ones, and to have some sunshine on their darkest days.”

The evening blitz was a huge success: over 700 students and teachers/parents carried Laura’s spirit with them as they collected $39,000. The “Thank You Assembly” was emceed by Devin Lapierre and included the music by Brianna and Brooke to emphasize the serious meaning of cancer drive through song. Gratitude was extended to the students from Principal Gaffney, Ms. Vicky Wilton (Paediatric Interlink Program), Ms. Wendy Watson, and Mr. Gerry Lougheed Jr. Co-chairs Jazmine and Kemal concluded: “So give yourself and Laura a great round of applause for making this year’s cancer drive a great success, Vikes!”

October 29, 2009

Cancer Drive 15 KIDS CARING FOR KIDS: REMEMBERING LAURA

The thirteenth year of the Lockerby cancer campaign had a new look: yellow t-shirts with “Rock the Ribbon” – a new take on their Green Ribbon Campaign. However, the Viking green and gold spirit and enthusiasm were as big-hearted as ever.

Cancer Drive Committee under Principal Heather Gaffney:

§ Co-chairs Jaimee Lafraniere and Lauren Flewelling (LCS Students)

o Student Team: Jordan Mulloy, Alannah Luttrell, Jayme-Lee Berton, Kaitlin Nadorozny, Jeifei Yao, Taylor Austin, Katie Wismer

§ Ms. Jennifer Peloso (LCS Staff Advisor and Coordinator)

§ Ms. Pina Cotesta (LCS Community Advisor)

Students organized a Motivational Assembly that drew upon previous successes and would be sure to help students understand the meaning of this worthwhile cause. The event was started with an introduction by Jordan Mulloy, followed with words by Principal Gaffney, in which she described the Cancer Drive tradition and the feeling that comes with participation in it.

Laura’s presence was made real through a video as well as through a speech given by Laura’s sister, Daniella Cotesta. Her words inspired: “The day before her graduation, Laura was told that her cancer had spread to her brain and there was little they could do for her. Do you think this devastating news stopped her? Not at all . . . My sister’s spirit and enthusiasm are present today. It is present in all of you preparing to participate in the cancer drive. You are not only helping my sister’s dream come true, but you are reaching out and changing the lives of so many of those around you . . . you too can become someone’s hero.”

Quite fittingly, the Lockerby Choir then sang, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” instilling an uplifting feeling in all present in that gymnasium.

After Ms. Vicki Wilton explained what the NEORCC programs were and how cancer affects children, the crowd was ready for Rich Griffin and Gary Beech, morning radio show hosts at KISS and Q92 FM. They brought their tag-team humour and enthusiasm to share with the students in the name of a great cause. After a video highlighting the Community Builders Award, the co-chairs spoke, explaining to the students the value of participating in the cancer drive. Then the focus turned to the promotion of teams for the campaign evening.

A fun fashion show of various LCS Cancer Drive t-shirts over the years included models Ms. Stanyon, Mr. Deane, Mr. Hatzis, and the committee, but Mr. Hatzis and Mr. Graham (Team “Show Me the Money”) stole the show with their dark suits and glasses, tossing money with their pictures printed on it, into the student crowd. The mood was upbeat and exciting!

On the night of the blitz, the students and teachers were inspired and determined to do their best, with Laura in their thoughts as they knocked on doors across Sudbury. As the campaign occurred close to Halloween, food donations had included plenty of sweets, in addition to the traditional pizza and soft drinks. The front foyer of Lockerby was full of smiles and chatter, as students were welcomed back after their volunteer efforts. The front office was equally busy: organizing receipts, counting money, and exclaiming over the generous contributions of the community. In all, $32,000 was collected in four hours! Wow!

At the Thank You Assembly, the cheque was presented to Mel Dionne from the NORCCF. Mr. Gerry Lougheed Jr. returned once more to congratulate students on their incredible effort and to commend them for the difference they were making for children with cancer in our community.

Not yet finished, the students thanked Sudburians with a community banner on the corner of Walford and Paris Streets and personal photo thank you cards were sent to supporting individuals and groups/businesses. The partnership between Lockerby and the community, between teens and adults, was inspiring all Sudbury residents to care for children in the North.