Ravenscroft School is Nation’s Top Youth Crucial Catch Team

With students like those at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh leading the way, the future is looking bright in the fight for a world without cancer.

For the fifth year in a row, Ravenscroft's student-led fundraising team for Crucial Catch has been recognized as the top fundraising school in the nation, raising more than $39,000 in 2021. They once again won the prestigious Pink Cleat Award presented by the Carolina Panthers to the top youth Crucial Catch team in the Carolinas.

The Ravenscroft students have raised almost $165,000 since 2017, raising their own high fundraising bar every year – even during a pandemic.

“The American Cancer Society relies on the dedication of passionate and committed volunteer leaders like these students to push our mission forward,” said Rachel Urban, executive director for the American Cancer Society in central and eastern North Carolina. “Our team and our organization is proud to have Ravenscroft as a leader, not only in and across North Carolina but in and across the country, to excel in fundraising efforts. We are so grateful.”

Ravenscroft senior Georgia Winston, who has been involved with the Crucial Catch program since her freshman year, said she has learned about fundraising and leadership as well as her ability to make an impact through the program.

“Learning more about the process of fundraising – forming and working with our team every year, determining our fundraising goals, and then brainstorming our fundraising efforts, especially during COVID, was what I found to be most rewarding,” she said. “This was my first experience in a major leadership role, not only becoming more aware of myself as a leader, but also understanding the importance of lifesaving screening to catch cancer early and spreading this awareness to others has been so impactful. I am very proud of the entire team and what we have achieved. We have raised over $130,000 these last four years and our funds will help save lives! That is what is most meaningful!”

Junior Harrison Poole, one of the Ravenscroft Crucial Catch team captains, has also experienced personal growth and fulfillment from making a positive difference.

"I would say the thing I have learned most about being a part of the Crucial Catch team is willingness. To be part of the team requires time and effort," he said. "However, it is for a great cause, and it makes you feel accomplished and helps to make the world a better place.”

“Because of these students and because of Ravenscroft, we are able to meet needs in underserved communities and clinics throughout the state,” Urban said. “I am proud to know these young leaders are passionate about helping others and helping the American Cancer Society push our lifesaving mission forward.”

On Friday, April 29, Riley Fields, the Carolina Panthers’ director of community relations, presented the Pink Cleat trophy to the Ravenscroft students during an upper school assembly.