My first Homecoming game… new friends I barely know… ah, high school. I actually couldn’t wait for the experience — the crowds, my crew, the marching band, the music, the whole thing. So much more than what middle school offered. Everyone at the game was to wear pink to support breast cancer awareness month. As I handed the woman at the desk my ticket and walked into the stadium, I couldn’t help but pause at the sight of everyone in the stands collectively celebrating this universal cause. It was moving.

Making my way in, I met my friends in the seats who actually expressed regret in not wearing pink. They were jealous of my ribbon and wanted to borrow it. The half time cheerleaders only rubbed it in when they performed in pink uniforms and the crowd went nuts.

Our school won the game and I was not only proud of them, but proud of this community. This was so inspiring to me, I encourage any high school students looking to enhance their sporting events to consider reaching out to your athletic director(s) and organizing a charity stunt around your highest profile sporting events. When students see how much enthusiasm surrounds many of these causes, it can be addicting.