Saint Mary's Rallies for Relay & Diversity Fair

Team Panthers made a strong showing at the Albany Relay for Life in mid-May, joining forces with the Albany community again this year to walk for Cancer research in the annual 24-hour event. Students, faculty, and friends - many motivated by their own experiences with Cancer - came out to help, raise funds, share homemade baked goods, cheer on the walkers and survivors, teach Zumba, perform vocals, wear wigs in support of Cancer patients (these girls give their long ponytails at the school’s hair donation event each February), and much more. A number of junior and senior students arrived in formal gowns and tuxes after Saturday night’s school prom in San Francisco to walk the walk and be part of the event.

On May 14, the annual Diversity Fair at the school showcased the myriad of cultural backgrounds present in the community. More than thirty display tables provided history, images, and food samples from countries around the world. Many students and faculty wore and performed in ethnic dress, including Ethiopian and Tahitian dances, a lively Irish jig, the iconic Tinikling from the Philippines, and a loud and impressive Tongan war dance by members of the football team. The Irish table offered potatoes, Soda Bread, Kale, and green Kool-Aid to passersby. A Relay for Life table at the event recruited walkers and donors.