Highlands School District police officer Joe Naviglia has the right people cheering for him in his fight against cancer.
Naviglia, in his fourth year at Highlands, was among four local residents who were presented $1,000 by the district’s cheer team Dec. 17.
“I was surprised but so thankful and honored,” said Naviglia, who underwent a stem cell transplant in May to treat multiple myeloma. He was off work for about six months but says he’s feeling well.
Other recipients were Highlands Elementary School second grade teacher Jenny Snyder, retired first grade teacher Mary Jo Davis and cheer mom Robyn Strader.
Highlands cheerleaders raised the money through a districtwide Pink Out fundraiser in October. The squad teamed up with Change for Cancer, a nonprofit founded by Burrell High School senior Georgia Brothers to raise money for people fighting the disease.
“This means the world to me to see everyone come together and be a community to help people in need,” Brothers said.
The charity that began 10 years ago — when Brothers was 8 years old — has brought in more than $100,000 that has been doled out to 50 families across the Alle-Kiski Valley.
The money is used to help with expenses, such as medical equipment, wigs or other needs.
“It’s crazy to see how much the charity has grown over the years,” Brothers said.
Led by cheer coaches Jamee Bonnett, Kia Jones and Gretchen Marra, the effort surpassed Brothers’ goal of $3,000 for the district.
Highlands raised $4,239, which is the most since teaming up with Change for Cancer four years ago.
The team sold T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with bright pink lettering that read “Be Strong, Fight On, Pink Out.”
Cheerleaders, along with mascot Rammie, sported the T-shirts for a Friday night football game.
The stadium was drenched in pink after cheerleaders canvassed the bleachers and sold bandanas, face stickers and beads. They also had a bake sale.
Jones said it was a perfect way for the squad to think about how they could help others.
