The students, faculty and staff of All Saints Regional Catholic School, Manahawkin, joined with their Ocean County neighbors in May to “Paint the Town Pink” for breast cancer awareness and prevention.
Founded by central Jersey-based Meridian Health system in 2007, “Paint the Town Pink” aims to raise awareness of the importance of women receiving annual mammography testing, regardless of health insurance or finances. Businesses in participating towns offer “pink” promotions, activities and fundraising events.
Led by the school’s student council and their advisor and teacher, Joanne McKnight, ASRCS has participated in this event for the past two years during the month of May.
During the May 16 Dress Down/Pink Spirit Day, students adorned themselves and their classroom’s doors with the signature color. The pink theme echoing throughout the ASRCS hallways communicated the message of awareness and that early detection saves lives. Each homeroom classroom held a pink piggy bank to collect for donations for the Meridian Health pink program.
When asked what she hoped the students learned from the exercise, McKnight stated, “I want the All Saints Regional Catholic School Student Council and student body to learn the importance of being a part of a community project, and how creating awareness on a topic they believe in can make a difference in someone’s life.”
The message was heard loud and clear.
ASRCS student council president, Jessica Raguso-Failla, said, “I am really happy and proud of our school for helping with such a worthy organization. It is really amazing to see our whole school come together to help raise awareness for something so important, and really care about it. I have learned the importance of taking care of yourself. Also, I never knew how many people needed help in my community.”
Kailey Matthews, student council treasurer, added, “It is amazing to see how the whole school can get enthusiastic to participate in this amazing experience. I really enjoy this time of the school year because I love seeing how “pink” our school can get for this organization.”