Liberty Middle School cheerleaders Avery Jones, at left, and Kate Byrne, at right, encourage little Liberty Lions fan Lilly Merrill, who is wearing a “We are Liberty” T-shirt. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – During Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, cheerleaders spearheaded a fundraising drive with the Liberty Middle School student body to benefit the Liz Hurley Foundation.

Along with collecting donations, Liberty cheerleaders promoted “Pink Out Day” during Spirit Week with social media, posters and announcements. Each cheerleader sold a minimum of 20 “We Are Liberty” pink T-shirts to raise $1,500.

“While this is a relatively small amount, Liberty cheerleaders and student body hope that it will make a difference in the lives of many cancer patients the foundation serves,” math teacher Jodi Jones said.

“Helping people and promoting cancer awareness is a universal principal, and Coach Natalie Lane and Coach Michelle Breeden are very proud of the goodwill” that Liberty students demonstrated, Jones said. “It was a great show of community support from the Liberty faculty, students and parents.”

All Liberty teachers have had students or know students affected by breast cancer, Jones said. “We’re motivated to do this every year because we all know someone somewhere in our community fighting the disease. We think it’s an appropriate age to start promoting cancer awareness among the middle-school age students.”

Liberty students are very aware of the seriousness of breast cancer. “It hits close to home for many,” Jones said. “They understand there’s no cure and their donations are used for research to help find a cure and to help those in need currently fighting breast cancer.”

“Liberty is very generous and promotes goodwill,” Jones said. She cited the current drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Members of Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ are conducting a food drive for Thanksgiving boxes to families in need.

In addition, Men of Destiny Club held a “Sock Drive” for personal necessities, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, for individuals in a homeless shelter. The Liberty Giving Tree provides Christmas gifts to students in need.

“Liberty students embrace the meaning of giving and community and illustrate this often with their caring hearts and generous donations,” Jones said.