CLEARFIELD ¬-- Clearfield High School students danced, played instruments and sang for extra change at a school assembly Monday to kick off a week of raising money for cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Before the kickoff, the 1,400 students were given the chance to see just how cancer has affected the lives of some of their peers and faculty during an emotional video documenting their personal experiences.
Elijah Toa, a junior involved in student council, talked about being in the midst of spirit week when his dad told the family he had prostate cancer.
"He never gave up on us, though, and told us to keep pushing forward," said Toa.
Students also heard shop teacher Bruce Trimble talk about being diagnosed with cancer 14 years ago.
After successful treatments, Trimble's cancer was in remission for 12 years. However, the cancer returned just more than a year ago.
"Sometimes bad things happen," said Trimble. "Cancer has affected me in bad ways, but in good ways, too. With all the support I have received, I have seen how it brings out the good in people."
The student council hoped that if students got a chance to see how the lives of students and faculty at their own school have been affected by cancer, they would be willing to donate during their fundraising week -- called Falcons are Fabulous.
For one student, the video was very affecting.
"Watching the video makes me really sad," said Yariksa Villafana, a sophomore. "My family hasn't gone through it, but seeing how it affects other people makes me want to do something and donate money."
Following the video, the talent show began with several singers, a pianist who could play upside down, a dancer, and a faculty flash mob dance -- to the surprise of the students who had no idea the teachers were planning to bust a move in the name of earning money for cancer.
Clearfield High's school spirit flowed freely after the assembly, as students placed cash into the waiting cups of student council members who drifted through the auditorium after each talent performance and collected coins and cash to see which talent could bring in the most money.
The teachers earned a handful of cash from the students, coming in second place. The winner will be announced later in the week.
The grand total from the kickoff assembly was just more than $800. The goal for the Falcons are Fabulous program is to raise $10,000 by Dec. 19.
Student adviser and teacher LeNina Wimmer said the money raised Monday was a good start.
"In all 17 years I've been at the school, I've never seen us not make our goal," said Wimmer. Last year, the students raised money to help build a day care for children in Guatemala.
"As a school, we feel it is the time of year to give back to the community, and we as students are looking out for those needing help," said Joe Giacalone, student body officer publicist.
Principal Suzi Jensen said she couldn't be more proud of her students.
"This is a great student body. Everything they do is service-oriented, and this is an incredible example of that," Jensen said.
To reach their $10,000 goal, the students have a host of activities planned for the week, culminating in a community carnival from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Clearfield High School fieldhouse.
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