16 years of thinking pink

This October, in support of breast cancer awareness month, GHS ran the Think Pink Fundraiser for the 16th year.

The fundraiser, led by language department teachers Rayanne Menery-Sammataro and Carol Finacey, sells pink shirts to students and staff, and gives the money to members of the community struggling with cancer. When the shirts have been delivered, those who purchased one gather in the gymnasium for a picture in the shape of a ribbon. This year, the picture took place during homeroom on October 26th.

Finacey, a Spanish, French, and ELL teacher, has been teaching at the school since the first year of Think Pink.

“The money goes to people in the community, staff and others, who have dealt with any kind of cancer,” Finacey said. “I am a breast cancer survivor myself, so this is important to me on a personal level. Through the years I have seen more students be aware of breast cancer, and members of the staff know to get mammograms, which is really the point of breast cancer awareness month, so it can get caught and treated as soon as early as possible.”

Those in any of Finacey’s classes know how important it is to her that everyone shows their support.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten through a class period this October without her mentioning ‘la chemise rose’!” senior Declan Lessor said. “She cares a lot and I think it’s almost impossible to have her as a teacher and not buy a shirt.”

A new aspect of the fundraiser this year was introduced by the National Honors Society. NHS members sold pink ribbons for $1 each, and got community service hours, as well as helping a worthwhile cause. 

The Think Pink Fundraiser has become a staple at GHS over the years, and its perseverance and consistency are a testament to the hard work and care coming from all of the staff and students at GHS.