WOODBURY — Looking back at October, Nonnewaug students and faculty members realize it means more than just fall sports. October is the month when athletes and fans unite in pink to raise awareness, showing support for the fight against breast cancer.
Each year Nonnewaug High School hosts its “Pink Out” games across fall sports, bringing the school community together to honor those affected by breast cancer.
Players wear pink accessories on the field and fans fill the stands in matching colors to show support and raise awareness.
“Breast cancer awareness highlights both school spirit and compassion, reminding everyone that the game is more than just the score,” says freshman at Nonnewaug, Austin Dietrich.
Supporting breast cancer awareness is more than just wearing pink: it brings people together.
Nonnewaug senior, and varsity quarterback Brady Herman also believes wearing pink is more than just a color.
“Wearing pink is about more than just a color,” says Herman. “It’s about awareness for a great cause. We wear the same uniforms all year, but in October, wearing pink creates a spark and a feeling that we’re playing for something bigger.”
The spark and a feeling of playing for something greater that Herman describes aligns with many Nonnewaug faculty members including breast cancer survivor, and NHS art teacher, Leeza Desjardins.
Desjardins is happy to see the recognition given to breast cancer awareness by Nonnewaug at the pink out events hosted annually.
“The school’s pink-themed events are a truly inspiring display of solidarity and it is wonderful to see our students and staff embracing this spirit,” Desjardins says. “Witnessing some of the students’ heartfelt participation and enthusiasm evokes powerful memories of facing my own challenges.”
Although Desjardins is happy to see the support given by the students and faculty members at Nonnewaug, she hopes to see additional recognition of this disease in the future. “I do wish the school did more than just having a couple pink out games,” Desjardins says.
Desjardins recognizes the challenges that many face while going through breast cancer and hopes that her advice can help many other people going through such a difficult time like this. “During that time I resolved to always confront adversity directly, to remain strong, and to approach every step of the journey with positivity,” Desjardins said.
