Each October, the Lyons community joins the world in honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to support survivors, remember loved ones, and raise awareness for those still fighting. For students in the Lyons Leadership Class, this effort has become more than a project; it’s a mission rooted in compassion, connection, and community.
The relationship began last year when Krista Jackson visited the Leadership Class to share her story. Krista is a 1990 Lyons graduate, breast cancer survivor, and board member of Embrace Your Sisters (EYS), a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. Her message of hope, resilience, and the power of giving back deeply resonated with students and staff.
That connection continued throughout the year. Leadership advisor Ms. Gansz, along with fellow teacher and breast cancer survivor Kelly Wetmore and Lyons student Madeleine Wunder, modeled in EYS’s largest annual fundraiser, Tea at Two Fashion Show. Their participation not only supported the organization’s mission but also strengthened the bridge between LCSD and this local nonprofit, which provides direct financial support to individuals battling breast cancer.
This fall, the partnership grew once again. Lyons students volunteered at the Purple Painted Lady Festival, where EYS was the chosen charity. The Leadership Class worked tirelessly, directing traffic, managing gates, assisting with setup, and offering a warm welcome to guests. The EYS team later shared with the leadership class, “We couldn’t have done that without the help of the Leadership Team. Their professionalism, kindness, and work ethic were outstanding.”
One student in particular, senior and volleyball captain Kamryn Bonnell, was especially inspired by Krista’s story. “Last year in Leadership, we learned about the Embrace Your Sisters organization, and it stuck with me,” Kamryn shared. “It showed me that even the little things we do can make a big difference for people we don’t even know.”
Motivated to take action, Kamryn organized a Pink Out Volleyball Game this fall. With help from her teammates and Leadership peers, the team hosted a 50/50 raffle and raised over $300, which they proudly donated to Embrace Your Sisters during their senior night volleyball game.
For Kamryn, this project was personal. “Both my grandparents passed away from cancer this year, and my mom had her own scare with skin cancer. Bringing this cause into something I love, volleyball, made it even more meaningful. We aren’t just a team that plays a sport; we’re a team that serves our community.”
Leadership teacher Ms. Gansz shares that this partnership has also touched her. With her own mother and cousin, both breast cancer survivors, and her own ongoing health journey, this cause is close to her heart. “When you hear the stories of how this organization helps families through struggles, it’s moving. One in eight women will experience breast cancer. This work truly matters.”
And for Krista Jackson, seeing today’s students continue the cycle of giving back to the community she once called home is especially meaningful.
“It is heartwarming to see our youth have the passion to give back to their community by volunteering,” Jackson said. “EYS is proud of our connection with the emerging leaders in the Lyons Leadership Class. They have consistently stepped up to give their time and talent to EYS. We are thankful!”
Through their compassion and action, Lyons students continue to show what it means to Lead Like a Lion, serving others, honoring survivors, and carrying forward the spirit of community that defines Lyons Central School District.
No matter where their journeys lead, Lyons graduates continue to lead with heart.