The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
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Rally students impact the future of childhood cancer research

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
November 13, 2023
Mackenzie Blanco
NC partners with the Rally Foundation each year to raise awareness for children battling cancer. NC’s Rally Club inspires students to volunteer at Friday night football games and inspires local restaurants to collect donations for childhood cancer research which funds the Rally Foundation. Through the generosity of local communities and NC students, Rally Club fundraised over $1600 during the 2023-2024 school year; the club donated 93 cents of each dollar they raised to the Rally Foundation.

Since the beginning of the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research in 2005, partners from around the world have volunteered to raise money for children with cancer. The Rally Foundation empowers followers to raise awareness to find treatments—and possibly cures—for children battling cancer. The NC Rally Club collaborates with the Rally Foundation to gather donations for their cause through Rally-themed football games and fundraising nights at local restaurants. 

Rally students come together every Tuesday after school during the fall semester to elaborate on future opportunities to fundraise for childhood cancer. AP Macroeconomics teacher and club sponsor Dr. Pamela Roach embraces the true meaning of Rally through her dedicated mindset to help the club achieve its fundraising goals. Co-presidents of Rally include magnet juniors Ciara Whimbush and Jack Scafidi and magnet sophomores Alyssa Mehta and Keazandra-Clyne Verdeflor. 

“I heard about Rally last year and I really respected the cause which made me want to join Rally. My favorite thing about Rally is how passionate everyone is about the cause. It can be seen when people are volunteering at games, making ribbons, bracelets, etc.,” magnet sophomore Alyssa Mehta said. 

During the 2023-2024 Rally season, Rally Club raised a total of $1692 for childhood cancer research. To achieve this, Rally Club partnered with Culvers October 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., where they provided Rally with 10% of funds for each order placed. Students helped by taking orders and serving customers their food throughout the night. Club members also hosted a Rally Share Night at a home football game, in which Rally members walked through the stadium with buckets asking for donations to the club’s cause. Several students stood near the front of the stadium spreading insight about the Rally Foundation. 

Additionally, Rally held its annual dress up week from October 2 to October 6, which included a gold day, duo or trio day, Adam Sandler day, decades day and Rally day. On the first day of Rally week, students volunteered to help decorate the hallways of NC with handmade posters and gold ribbons. Duos and trios embraced iconic television partners such as the notorious Alvin and the Chipmunks as well as Donna Pinciotti and Jackie Burkhart from “That 70s Show.” On Thursday, students dressed up in amusing outfits for decades day to show off their favorite decade. To end the spirit week, students wore their annual Rally t-shirt designed by magnet junior Citlalli Vela for the 2023-2024 school year. 

“Kids’ cancer is different, the treatments that work on adults do not necessarily work on kids so they need help beyond what research is currently being done. There is somebody you usually rally for when you think about all of these organizations. For me, it was growing up riding horses and seeing a young man ultimately lose his battle with cancer, his name was Casey and he had the cutest little pony,” Roach said. 

Rally focuses on making an impact on NC and local communities to encourage the general public to support research for all pediatric cancers. The colored ribbons members of organizations such as Rally wear to support their cause express a deep meaning. For example, the National Breast Cancer Foundation members wear pink ribbons to raise awareness of breast cancer and to bring together women in solidarity. Similarly, the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative members wear white ribbons. Rally Club members represent childhood cancer research by wearing gold accessories and ribbons during fundraising nights to show their support and raise awareness. 

 
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About the Contributor
Mackenzie Blanco
Mackenzie Blanco, Copy Editor
Mackenzie Blanco, a magnet junior, continues her time on The Chant as a copy editor for the 2024-2025 school year. Ever since she could remember, Blanco has admired utilizing her writing skills to release her creative thoughts and steadfast opinions. As her second year on The Chant unfolds, Blanco continues to explore her writing style, the realm of editing and ultimately build up her view of the journalism field, which she aspires to pursue in college. Blanco envisions her junior year to be full of new opportunities, friendships and exceptional advancements for The Chant, while also maintaining a proud stance of her other commitments. Outside of the Pub Office, Blanco can be found spinning her equipment as a member of NC’s Color Guard, on walks with her dog, Chico, going on strenuous hikes, baking yummy treats or spending time at church—alongside her favorite people. She is also a co-leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a member of NC’s Bible study club, Collective Hope. Blanco hopes that The Chant will continue to bring her the inspiration to make an impact on the world with her writing.  Find her on Instagram @mackenzie.blanco3.