Principal’s secretary Traci Evans has supported Varina for more than a decade. Now the Varina community is supporting her and her family as her five-year-old son Ben battles cancer.
In May, business teacher Dwanda Hicks, planned BENefit, a fish fry to raise funds for Ben’s medical expenses. Principal Tracie Omohundro came up with the slogan “BENefit.” Communications teacher Joey Boehling created fliers and tickets for the event. The Athletics Booster Club provided sponsorship and school security officer Stanley Cuffee fried the fish. The $6 platters included French fries and fried fish. This effort was well received by the community and raised over $2,150 for the Evans family. Mrs. Hicks plans to hold another BENefit before school ends for the summer.
The community has come together other times to help when tragedy occurred. Four years ago, the faculty collected money and food for school resource officer Don Profit’s family after they suffered a house fire. Two years later, students held a candlelight vigil for their classmate Christina Hardmen, who was killed in a car accident. And last year students and staff participated in a balloon release and walk for classmate Gregory May.
The girls’ varsity softball team hosted a “Play for a Cure” night to raise money for two nonprofit organizations, Reese Strong and the C.J. Foundation. Both organizations help families facing cancer to pay for medical and utility bills. The athletics department plans to host the Rolfe and Elko soccer, baseball and softball games to raise more money for the cause.
During difficult times, Varina reaches out to help others. It’s all a part of being Varina Nation.
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