IN Canon-Mac Spring 2016 | Page 69

C AN ON - MAC SC HOOL DI STRI C T NE WS Canon-Mac NSIS Students Write Letters to Patients Battling Cancer B asketball star athlete, coach and broadcaster Jim Valvano’s inspirational words, “Never give up!” have touched people all over the world battling cancer. At North Strabane Intermediate School, fifth-grade students on Team Barracuda used their own words of encouragement to motivate those fighting for their lives. Team Barracuda students, led by Mr. Sharpnack, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Heiser and Mrs. Flaherty, completed a two-part service project for patients at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The first part consisted of the team donating items for patients at Hillman, including everything from puzzle books, slippers, and lotions – all things individuals can use during their treatment sessions. The second part involved each student writing a letter of encouragement to a patient. The donations and letters were delivered to the Hillman Cancer Painting with a Twist Fundraiser Slated to Benefit Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan T he Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan is hosting a fundraiser at Painting with a Twist in Washington this April. The event, which costs $35, will also feature a Chinese Auction, door prizes and food and beverages. It will take place at Painting with a Twist, located at 76 Old Mills Boulevard, Washington PA 15301 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17. All proceeds will be used to award scholarships to deserving graduating students of the Canon-McMillan School District who are continuing with post-secondary education. Center before Christmas and were given to various patients during the holidays. “Cancer has touched so many lives in one way or another, including my own,” Mr. Sharpnack said. “This was our way of showing the ‘cancer warriors’ that they are not alone in their fight.” What happened next, he said, was completely unexpected and heart-warming: A handful of students received thank you letters from recipients. “It has been an unforgettable and touching experience to read every letter our students wrote to total strangers. The wisdom, kindness, and compassion they shared were the greatest gifts anyone could receive,” Mrs. Snyder said. The letters that are coming to North Strabane from the “cancer warriors” show a deep appreciation toward the Team Barracuda students. Overall, the experience has deeply impacted the students, teachers and recipients. Join Us for Painting with a Twist Fundraiser for the Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan Sunday, April 17, 2016 • 2-5 p.m. Cost is $35.00 Register at https://paintingwithatwist.com/washington-pa Painting with a Twist - 76 Old Mills Blvd. Washington, PA 15301 (724-222-PWAT) Fun - Chinese Auction - 50/50 - Food & Drinks - Door Prizes. Canon-Mac | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 67