Dance the night away

Editor's note: Samuel McClester is a senior at Edison High School and enrolled in the district's Teen Leadership Corps class, which empowers teenagers to achieve their leadership potential through a character and service-based curriculum. He and others involved in the class are organizing an upcoming fundraiser. MILAN TWP. — Edison Teen Leadership Corps is getting all set for its upcoming Dance Marathon event to raise money to make cancer care kits that will be passed out to local cancer patients. For the past two years, Edison's Teen Leadership Corps has used community support and donations to create the care kits that have been handed out at the local Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in Sandusky. The project has reached more than 225 local patients in its first two years. This year, the group of 10 leaders at Edison High School has big goals to create at least 150 adult care kits and an additional 50 youth care kits for children fighting cancer. One way Edison Teen Leadership Corps. plans to reach its goal — and hopefully exceed it — is by hosting a 12-hour Dance Marathon for the entire student body. On Friday, March 22, students will experience a night full of activities and fun for a good cause. Activities will take place all night long in the school's gymnasium and cafeteria. These include but are not limited to dodgeball, tug-of-war, a bounce house, dancing, yoga, yummy food, games and more. From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., there will be a number of chaperones, dance and yoga instructors and a DJ to keep the energy going. Local businesses and organizations are donating all services for the fun-filled night. The leaders will also take time throughout the night to raise awareness and educate students about the horrible impact cancer has on patients and their families. Another goal of the event is to help boost school unity and school spirit as the school comes together for a great cause. All Edison High School students are invited to attend the all-night event by purchasing a ticket from March 4-8 during their lunch. The ticket cost will cover the cost of a T-shirt, and at least one-third of the ticket price will be donated to help fill the care kits. Students attending are also encouraged to bring items in for the kits and will earn tickets to win some great prizes for each item they donate. Edison High School students who do not attend the dance may still donate and have a chance to win prizes as well. Many local businesses are helping offset the cost of the event and contributing to the care kits by sponsoring the Dance Marathon and the Cancer Care Kit project. DJ services are being donated in full by Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Co. Besides donating event services, local businesses are donating prizes and food. Local service organizations are also providing financial support for the event and project. The community is welcome to donate or contribute to the cancer care kits. Items being accepted are: • Mints and candies • Journals • Activity books, such as crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku puzzles, etc. • Pens and pencils, • Coloring books and supplies for both adult and children • Lotions • Lip balm, like Chapstick • Blankets • And anything else that would help comfort someone during their fight against cancer Donations may be dropped off at any Edison school office during regular school hours. The community may also check out the group's shopping list on Amazon to easily buy items and ship them directly to the school. The list can be found by visiting a.co/1Kokdjr. Everyone knows someone who has fought or is fighting cancer. Edison Teen Leadership Corps is hoping to ease and comfort patients with a tiny gesture during their fight. This could not and will not be done without the generous community support. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to donate, contact Edison Teen Leadership Corps—teacher Jenni Seel at jseel@edisonchargers.org.