Last Friday night, 43 teams gathered in The Junction and decorated their tents to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The theme “Around the World” made the participants feel as if they went through the Seven Seas, Costa Rica, Madagascar and Ireland as they walked around the track. After numerous donations, Relay for Life collected a total of $37,000, exceeding its expected goal of $30,000. 
Even though Relay for Life only lasted 12 hours, the Relay for Life committee had been planning the event since school began.
“The most inspiring thing that I have seen out of Relay for Life is the dedication behind every participant for raising money for a good cause,” said Tyler Sawyer, the head committee chair.
Most of the participants have had a family member affected by cancer. Sawyer developed his dedication for Relay for Life after he lost his own grandfather, Ray Magum.
“People might want to work harder if they personally know someone who was affected by cancer,” Sawyer said.
It was inspiring to see the names of loved ones for whom people were relaying written on the Great wall of China board. At the beginning of the night, the board had “Nick Bell #36” written on it. Within an hour after the relay started, the board had numerous names of friends and family members written on it.
Relay for Life was special this year to Mississippi State since it was dedicated to Nick Bell. At the beginning ceremony, Sawyer presented a plaque to Africa Moore on behalf of Linda Bell, Nick Bell’s mother, who could not be in attendance. A video was shown in honor of Bell, which reminded everyone of the day we rung our cowbells at 6:36 p.m.
After accepting the plaque, Moore said, “Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Nick could see that he was a significant person. Nick is deeply missed, and I feel great to help contribute our work toward fighting cancer in his honor.”
Along with vendors, the main stage was occupied by artists to entertain the crowd, including disc jockey Braxton Stowe, who displayed great enthusiasm throughout the night. The local acts that performed were the Jeffery Rupp Band, Wade Durr and the Blitz Mississippi State University Show Choir.
The Show Choir had a lively performance, which featured the songs “I’m yours” by Jason Mraz, “Seasons of Love” from the broadway musical “Rent” and “Mmmbop” by Hanson. Show choir member Rebekah McFarren said the show choir was glad to perform at Relay for Life.
“Throughout our performance, we had fun and the audience was very receptive. I loved being a part of such a wondering organization and fund.”