For the past seven years, Lindenhurst has taken part in a nationwide event called Relay for Life. The goal of this event is to bring the community together for an evening of fun while raising awareness of and money for the American Cancer Society.

     On May 16^th at 6:00PM the opening ceremonies began, welcoming back frequent participators as well as greeting those who were enjoying their first Relay for Life. Inspirational speeches were given to set the mood for the evening and finally the first official lap of the weekend began. All of those who had won their fight against cancer or are still bravely fighting were asked to take a celebratory lap, which soon followed with everyone else participating joining the walk.

     At 9:00PM the most emotional part of the evening, the Luminaria Lighting Ceremony, took place. Bags, beautifully decorated with pictures as well as words, were filled with candles and lined the track, where they were lit to honor those who are currently battling cancer as well as to remember those who have passed. The lights were turned out along the track and it was a magical moment as all the luminaries lit up the night as everyone walked a lap for anyone who has ever battled cancer. During this time, the high school’s very own Angela Perez and Brittany Accardi took to the stage to sing for the audience. While many were left with tears streaming down their faces, everyone concurred that the Luminaria Lighting Ceremony was a great way to honor all of those who had battled cancer.

     Then numerous events occurred on stage to provide everyone in attendance with some fun and entertainment and offer a nice change of pace from the somber ceremony. One of the most memorable acts of the night was Lindenhurst’s very own ska band, Flee the Scene. The band, composed entirely of students from the Lindenhurst High School, took the stage and wowed the crowd with not only a few covers of popular songs but also many that they had written themselves. The band also went as far as to do a song that would appeal to an older audience, recognizing that the goal of the night was to provide fun for all. A dance floor opened up for the duration of their performance and it was very clear that the crowd liked the band. The audience was sad to see the performance end but the night continued on with even more wonderful performances and everyone’s favorite part of the night: karaoke!! People young and old took to the stage and belted out their favorite songs as the others in attendance eagerly waited for their turn at the mic.

     Everything went off this year the same as it has in the past, including the rain that has so kindly graced the middle school track for the past few years. Around midnight the skies open up and the downpour ensued. There were a number of brave souls who remained on the field and the track, determined to not let a little water ruin their night. While many people did opt to leave, there was still a great deal of people who braved the weather and made it through to the closing ceremony. The event finished off around 6AM with some inspirational words and a final lap, bringing Relay for Life to a seventh successful close.