South Aiken High students show their support for Relay For Life

South Aiken High School's commitment to the Aiken Relay for Life program continues to grow, with several school groups forming teams and raising funds through benefit events.

The Naval Junior ROTC team is participating for the third straight year, led by commanding officer Cody Wilkins and another officer, Rebecca McManus, both seniors.

The major Relay team event in May "is really heartwarming; seeing everyone putting all the effort in raising money for families," McManus said. "The night is filled with happiness and sadness as well for so many people."

The Serteens Club is returning a team, and joining this year are the band program and the student council. All four programs are exploring ways to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and its research programs.

Holly Woltz, the community Relay coordinator, is delighted with the support of South Aiken students. She credited ROTC Commander Larry Laughlin as a major force behind the effort.

"He is so motivated and loves these kids," Woltz said. "He really promotes leadership and accountability."

For band member Dylan Gunnels, Relay is acutely personal. At a Relay for Life kickoff dinner in 2009, Gunnels gave a poignant account of his mother's battle with breast cancer. She was in her mid-20s when she died in 1994, and Gunnels has had to rely on his father's stories to learn about what a great person she was.

"I've been doing Relay since I was 11," he said. "I had originally started going with neighbors and then it hit me how real it was for me. It's always great to see how everybody is so involved and coming out as a team."

The NJROTC team was named the rookie team of the year two years ago and won an award in 2010, as well. The unit hopes to raise about $3,500 through yard work sessions, a walk around the school track and a spaghetti dinner in April.

The band is also planning a dinner and performance prior to the regular spring concert, while Serteens is looking at a fashion show and a karaoke dance this spring, said Serteens members Adam Martin and Juana Lopez. Phoebe Taylor and Andrew Laughlin of the student council will be selling luminaries and will come up with a T-shirt design and other fundraisers within the school.

"I've really gotten passionate about this," said Martin. "My grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. I've seen him go through chemotherapy and radiation and how it has dragged him down emotionally and financially. I want to help other families so they won't have to go through this."

The band is trying to expand and develop student leadership and ownership, said Assistant Director Drew Dickey.

"We're encouraging them to do more community outreach," he said. "It's not just about playing good music."

Serteens Advisor Valorie Wilkerson said the club members raised about $3,000 last year. They also helped with a dinner organized by the NJROTC cadets.

"I'm really excited for this year," she said. "We already have 11 team members signed up, including one from our parent organization, Sertoma."

Larry Laughlin has seen the interest grow in all the student groups.

"They're working together and supporting one another and it's all for a worthwhile cause," he said.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.