By Amy Jackson
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Kenwood High School has rallied behind one of its own for over a year, as a beloved coach battles leukemia. Now, the school’s student government association is planning an event to raise money and awareness for an organization that helps find bone marrow donors.
When KHS takes on West Creek in a basketball game on Friday, December 12, this north side rivalry, aptly dubbed “the battle for the Mill”- as both schools are just off Peachers Mill Road- will also be an event to benefit the Be The Match organization.
Student government sponsor, Jamie Wright, says the students came up with the idea. “They really wanted to do something to show the community how much they care about this cause,” Wright said.
Those attending the game are asked to wear black or dark gray, as the hope is to “blackout” cancer.
Be The Match will be at the game signing people up to become potential future bone marrow donors. All it takes is a simple check swab. But, what Be The Match officials don’t know is that during halftime, the student government will present a check to them with money raised by selling commemorative t-shirts.
“The shirts were donated by a local business, so 100% of the money raised is going to Be The Match,” said Wright.
Wright has first-hand experience with Be The Match: her husband, Mark Wright, is the KHS coach who is now in remission from leukemia, following a successful bone marrow transplant.
“I just think this is a great thing,” Wright said, “I really hope we can pack the stands and show everyone in this community that, at least for one night, the only loser in the gym is cancer.”
The West Creek SGA has been very supportive and both clubs have plans to work together to create another blackout event when the teams face each other again in January at WCHS. Both clubs want to work together to create a fun, good-hearted match up between the schools that will benefit all of north Clarksville for years to come.