Nationally, October is known as Breast Cancer awareness month. States throughout the U.S host different activities to bring awareness about this deadly disease. According to breastcancer.org, as of 2016, approximately 2.8 million women have-or had-breast cancer. South Shore is doing its part to help support combating this all-too-often fatal disease as they gear up for their annual Pink Out night hosted by the volleyball team. This event will be held at South Shore on October 10th beginning at 5:45 with JV and varsity to follow.

Reasons for supporting research into ending breast cancer are very personal for the South Shore community. All proceeds raised during the Pink Out campaign are donated to local charities, including the Berni Gustafson-Klobucher Memorial. Bernadette Gustafson-Klobucher graduated South Shore High School in 1985. Bernadette was a wonderful student and an amazing athlete. She was an important member of the only conference championship South Shore has ever had in volleyball. After high school she moved to Elk River, MN with her husband Dan Klobucher. In 1998 Bernadette was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a long seven year battle that unfortunately came to an end. Bernadette’s sisters Tabby Gustafson and Bobbi Sue Reijo along with her parents Delores Lowney and Bill Gustafson created a scholarship fund in her memory for students at South Shore. It was created several years ago and is still active to this day.

The volleyball team at South Shore raises money in honor of Bernadette as well as Shelly Wilcox who just started her battle against breast cancer. Shelly also played for South Shore’s volleyball team. The South Shore volleyball team has also donated to other organizations in the past. The team raised money for Kris Kavajecz; who was also an alumni player and the volleyball coach for a few years.

Beginning September 19th, breast cancer awareness ribbons will be available for a donation. The goal is to cover the lobby display cases with ribbons. The goal this year is at least $3,000. As motivation, the team has come up with a tiered reward system.  

• $500 = Administrator Gustafson will show up decked out in pink
• $1,000 = Assistant Principal Ripley will parade pink apparel
• $1,500 = Athletic Director Tiberg will parade his pink gear
• $2,000 = New teacher & Coach Bailey will appear in his pink attire
• $2,500 = Math genius Nelson will represent in his pink threads

When the $3,000 goal is reached Mr. Gustafson, Ms. Ripley, Mr. Tiberg, Mr. Bailey and Mr. Nelson will perform a sing along to show their support. The girls would really like to see their fellow teachers dress in pink and lip sync at the volleyball game.Yes, teachers, this is a challenge; hope to see you there!

October 10th is jam packed with activities for all. Baynet will be setting the stage with upbeat music and live announcing.There will also be a photobooth with props that anyone can use as well as raffle items – the tickets will be on sale starting September 19th. Don’t worry about your pink gear as Ms. Brigid J. Ripley will also be doing face painting for students during school and before the game from 4:45-5:30pm. As an additional note, it is also parents night for the girls at South Shore.

The volleyball team would like you to come and support not only the team, but also to help support Breast Cancer awareness! Thank you for all the support!