Dear West Genesee Families,
Friday, October 13 was the culmination of Homecoming at WG High School and included a very spirited Pep Assembly. Musical chairs with group help, faculty trivia, incredible student-dancers, a talented DJ, and a game of Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes made the event much fun. (You really would need to see this version of Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes in person as written words would not amply describe it!)
A highlight was “Shoot-Out Cancer”, a team competition of basketball three-point shooting to raise awareness and raise funds to fight Breast Cancer. Dan Thome, owner of the Wildcat Pub and Rick Roberts a radio personality from 93Q, led teams to shoot baskets for the cause. A guest surprise participant, Lawrence Moten, all-time leading scorer in Syracuse University Basketball history and former NBA player, joined both teams. Aside from a great time, Mr. Thome announced a donation of $2,000 toward defeating Breast Cancer and $2,024 to WGHS Senior Class year-end celebrations.
Special guest Chris Arnold was present. He is the father of Paige Arnold of Paige’s Pajamarama which is an event connected to Paige's Butterfly Run, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit in Syracuse, NY whose mission is to support current and future pediatric cancer patients in Central NY. The previous Friday, October 6, students and staff throughout our District wore their pajamas to school for this special cause. Mr. Arnold spoke from the heart to our students in thanks for their efforts and that of our community.
Thank you to all who coordinated and participated in this effort that included several schools from our area. The history of this effort is student-led. This year’s WG Student Council, including Izzy Gardner, President, Cassie Walsh, Vice-President, Addie Foster, Publicity Director, Sonya Dunham, Secretary, and Dillon Collier, Treasurer seek no credit, but are deserving of our thanks. The event started locally with a couple of area high schools, grew to alliances, and has become an event with full district participation in many cases. It is truly inspiring.
Many are touched personally, in some way, by cancer. For me, one example is Delaney, an energetic and strong-spirited 10 year old who has been through more than anyone should, particularly so early in life. Her mom Kelly, a former student of mine, heard about our Pajamarama effort and said “What a tremendous way to shed light on pediatric cancer, all while having some fun!!! Bravo to those Districts participating.” Delaney also said “thank you”.
There could be no finer example of #WildcatPride and #WGStrongerTogether! Well done, Wildcats!
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools