Cancer is a wide range of diseases that destroy body tissue and harm the body. Reese Roper, a junior at Green Level, is a large example of someone strong and resilient. She has fought through battles with cancer that people may think are impossible, and still, she sticks up and supports her friends and community.
On Wednesday, September 25th, Green Level hosted a volleyball game between GL and Millbrook. With the theme of “Orange Out,” we represented Reese and her battle with cancer, recognizing those who fight daily.
The intro from Reese and her battle empowered and motivated everyone towards the expectant night and raised the spirits. The heat of flashing lights, introductions, and the energy revved up the game, giving everyone the thrill of the night. Serving an ace during a tied game, the Gators put themselves in the lead. Smashing the first set (25 points), the Gators won 25-21.
From NC State, the wrestling coach came with his team to donate $500 to the organization. Making everyone participate in the “Clap, First Pump, WOOO”, students and parents in the stands were excited about the next game and were motivated to donate and raise money/awareness. A quote that resonated with the audience was said by an NC state wrestler, “Fighting every day, but never alone”, sending out positive vibes and t-shirts, the stands were thrilled to keep watching the game and see what happens next.
Throughout the game, the viewers were encouraged to go into the lobby and participate in the silent auction and raffle to win prizes like NC State volleyball items or a gift card basket. QR codes were placed all over the gym and school where all donations would go to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society (LLS). “Orange Out” t-shirts were sold for $20, supporting school spirit and raising money for donations towards LLS.
Millbrook gave tough competition to Green Level. Every second and serve was nail-biting, keeping the people on the edge of their seats. The ball was kept in the air for minutes on end, continuously passing the ball over and net. Every pass was met with a beautiful set and hit over.
The second set started slow, the Gators behind by 3-6. But with adequate time, encouragement, and teamwork, they built their way up to 11 points with the Millbrook Wildcats at 7. By timeout on the second set, the Gators were up by 7 with a score of 14-7. Ending the set, the Gators were in the lead with a score of 25-20.
Screams, shouts, and praises from the stands echoed through the crowd, not a minute going by without a nail biting serve or pass over the net. Talia Francom and Lindley Miller, hitting balls left, right, and center over the net, put the Gators in the lead.
The Gators won the 3rd set with a score of 25-23, sweeping the win into their undefeated streak. At the end of our night, our orange-out volleyball game on Wednesday ended successfully, raising more than $17,000 with all funds going to the LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).
