There’s a good reason why students at Atascocita and Summer Creek high schools are eager to raise the most money for Project Mammogram.
Who wouldn’t want to watch your principal plant a pie in the face of the other high school’s principal – in front of students from both schools?
“OK, there’s a better reason,” said ‘Pink Out’ co-coordinator Sara Hansen, Atascocita health science teacher. “Our students raise money to help provide mammograms at no charge to women in our community who can’t afford to get one.”
This is the third year that Atascocita and Summer Creek are hosting Pink Out.
Atascocita, Summer Creek high schools raise funds for Project Mammogram
“Last year we sold Pink Out T-shirts and snow cones,” said Hansen. “We held a chili lunch for teachers and, of course, there’s the football game.”
Hansen is referring to the Pink Out game between Atascocita and Summer Creek where students, faculty and family show their school pride and raise cancer awareness by playing a spirited football game, turning the field and stands into a sea of pink.
“Pink Out is very special,” said Hansen, “because this is when we recognize cancer survivors. Students choose survivors to sponsor and walk out onto the field with them. You’ll see students walking with family members, a friend or teacher. When you see these faces of cancer, you understand why we do it.”
This year’s game is scheduled at Summer Creek on Friday, Oct. 26.
In addition to Hansen, the Atascocita and Summer Creek Pink Out is coordinated by Jennifer Barret, Atascocita High athletic trainer, and Alisha Smith, Atascocita health science teacher.
Why Project Mammogram?
Hansen credits Brooke Baugh, development consultant for the Northeast Hospital Foundation, for explaining how all funds raised stay in Lake Houston.
“We learned Project Mammogram assisted more than 9,000 residents of Northeast Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties since they were founded, 580 mammograms and diagnostic services at no charge just last year,” Hanson said. “That’s why we selected Project Mammogram.”
Last year, Atascocita and Summer Creek high schools, combined, donated more than $14,000 to Project Mammogram.
“Athletic events like a football or volleyball game are great ways to host a Pink Out,” said Gina Remmes, Pink Out chair, “and we’re encouraging our other Humble ISD schools to participate in similar Pink Outs.”
“We are Kingwood Strong,” said Remmes, “and we should recognize how funds are needed locally just as much as on a national level. We’re looking for sponsors to assist in funding T-shirts, for example, so that more of the proceeds go to Project Mammogram.”
Sponsors will have their logo on every Pink Out T-shirt, she said, and will have opportunities to enjoy other “Pink” events.
“No effort is too big or too small,” said Remmes, “and we welcome any ideas for schools to honor breast cancer survivors and do their part to help support the efforts of Project Mammogram.”
