Students banded together for Elwood Middle School’s eighth annual Dodge Cancer event on Nov. 9. Grades six through eight participated in a charity dodgeball tournament to raise money for community members impacted by cancer. The event raised $6,500, which will be delivered to struggling families with the disease.

More than 300 students participated in the tournament and created dodgeball teams with their fellow classmates. The teams dressed the part with matching uniforms. Before the tournament began, the school’s kickline team performed a spirited routine to get the crowd on their feet. The sixth graders went into the auxiliary gym to start the competition, while grades seven and eight competed in the main gymnasium.

Many faculty members, parents and Elwood-John H. Glenn High School students volunteered their time to make the event a success. Family members and administrators including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, also came out to show support for the cause.

"It is very satisfying to be part of an experience that brings so many people together for such a fantastic cause,” said Honor Society President Jack Schelin. “Being part of something that is bigger than yourself is very humbling. I will miss being a participant in this event, but look forward to lending a helping hand next year."