ROCKINGHAM — A vibrant pink glow lit up the sky above Richmond Senior High School on Thursday as a symbol of honor, support and remembrance.
Richmond’s 12th annual Pink Night, organized by the school’s National Beta Club and adviser Suzanne Hudson, served as an ode to those who have or are continuing to battle any type of cancer.
This year’s theme was “Support Squad,” which was spelled out on the visitor’s side of the stadium with luminaries. Each luminary had the name of a local person who has fought the disease.
Along the stadium fences were handmade banners and signs that shared messages of encouragement, hope and fight.
Some banners recognized certain individuals like Coach Mitch Handinger, Richmond’s athletic trainer, who was diagnosed with leukemia in August.
Others included Maxie Coburn, a teacher at LJ Bell Elementary School, and Lorie Tew of Hamlet.
Several of Richmond County’s schools sent banners to be displayed, including East Rockingham, LJ Bell, Mineral Springs, Ninth Grade Academy and Washington Street.
While a playlist of upbeat and encouraging songs rang out, students, staff and members of the community walked around the track to show their support.
Below are photos from Richmond’s Pink Night, taken by The Richmond Observer’s Kyle Pillar.