Thinking pink was on every Academy girl’s mind the week of October 4, with students donating cash to the Moffitt Cancer Center to wear their favorite “Cure” T-shirt on Tuesday, October 5. Seen across campus were varying shades of pink tees, as well as the treasured baby blue Mrs. Schultz tees from last spring.
The observance of Breast Cancer Week culminated in a mega-fund raising event on Wednesday, October 6, when the Academy volleyball team, along with the Academy Jesuit swimming and diving team, hosted Spike and Splash for the Cause to raise money for the Moffitt Cancer Center. Together the volleyball and swim teams along with Academy students, faculty, parents, and friends raised awareness for the cause in loving memory of Mrs. Mara Schultz.
The event featured at 5 pm the JV volleyball team, followed by the Varsity playing at 6:30 pm, hosting St. Pete Catholic High School. Also, pretty in pink, the Academy Dance team, the Jaguarettes, entertained the audience with their halftime performance between games one and two of the varsity match.
Meanwhile, within a short walk, the Academy Jesuit swimming and diving team hosted Berkeley Prep beginning at 6pm. Sporting temporary pink ribbon tattoos, the team out swam their competition with a total score of 125, more than double Berkeley’s score of 61.
With the help of ticket sales, concessions, and the organized tag day, Spike and Splash for the Cause raised over $4,000, which will be donated to the Moffitt Cancer Center in dedication to Academy’s guardian angel, Mrs. Schultz.
Annie Swanson, varsity volleyball team captain and major organizer of the event, noted, “It was an amazing success not only because we raised $4000 but that the money is going to stay in the community by going to Moffitt. This year, students and parents all contributed largely and we were able to honor Mrs. Schultz and all those who are affected by breast cancer in an awesome way.”
The feeling was mutual for the swimming and diving team as Samantha Seal said, “The spike and splash event was really great and I’m glad that everyone got into it and contributed so much to the cause. We raised a lot of money and had tons of people come out and support us. Plus Academy won!”
The success of the Spike and Splash for the Cause comes from the outstanding individuals that dedicated their time and efforts into making the event what it was. The contributions and support of the Academy volleyball team and the Academy Jesuit swimming and diving team will forever be remembered in the outstanding generous donation to the Moffitt Cancer Center.
