Relay for Life has record breaking year

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Ripley County came together like never before when 16 new teams entered the Relay for Life event this past weekend at the Batesville High School. Sponsorships were up and the most money ever was raised being $150,472.68 to date. This is nearly $20,000 more than last year’s, which was also a record breaker. “I’m just on cloud nine!” exclaimed B.J. Myers, who chaired the event for her first time. She was quick to say it wasn’t her that made the difference, but the “collective effort of the committee, her co-chair Tonya Marsee, and the dedication of a community who worked together.”

Collections have not all been turned in and more money is expected before the August 31 cut off. “We fully expect to receive additional donations between now and then,” Myers told The Versailles Republican. The official total will be released in September.

Saturday, June 21 dawned bright and sunny with the opening ceremony taking place at 8:00 a.m. and cancer survivors showing their spunk and spirit by taking the first lap, a walk of celebration, around the track at the Batesville High School. It was followed by the caregiver’s lap and then the survivor’s breakfast.

Throughout the day a silent auction was held that featured a number of donated items ranging from an area rug to tickets to the Cincinnati Reds and the zoo.

The Little Mr. & Miss Relay Pageant made its debut this year with 15 contestants taking center stage at 10:15 p.m. There was a lot of purple on stage as the contestants were encouraged to wear the signature color. The contestants were judged in a variety of ways with some being: stage presence, poise, personality and of course who had the most votes for a penny each. Together, they raised almost $9,000, a welcome addition to the event.

The title of Little Mr. Relay went to J.T. Linkel, 6, who also received Mr. Congeniality. He is the son of Mark Linkel and Ronda Hicks of Batesville. He was sponsored by the Heaven Can Wait team.
Little Miss Relay went to Lydia Cornett, 2, the daughter of Jeff and Aimee Cornett of Versailles. She was sponsored by the Tyson United Methodist Church team.

The court consisted of First Runner Up Little Mr. Relay going to Connor McCarty, 6, the son of Brian and Mary McCarty of Versailles. He was sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran, Olean team. First Runner Up Little Miss Relay went to Avery Negangard, 5, the daughter of Shawn and Molly Negangard of Osgood. She was sponsored by the Napoleon State Bank team. Second Runner Up Little Mr. Relay went to Brady Linkel, 5, the son of Scott and Amy Linkel of Cross Plains. He was sponsored by the South Ripley Schools' team. Second Runner Up Little Miss Relay went to Emma Newport, 4, the daughter of Chris and Sheryl Newport of Batesville. She was sponsored by the Children’s Health Care team. Miss Congeniality was captured by Ellen Hayhurst, 7, the daughter of David and Debbie Hayhurst of Newburgh. She was sponsored by the Struewing Striders team.

The contestants enjoyed being on stage and were all declared winners in the fight against cancer as they helped raise money for research. They were all given coupons for Dairy Queen treats from the Versailles Dairy Queen, as was the emcee for the event, Wanda English Burnett.

Tents were set up with teams constantly walking or running, showing that cancer doesn’t take a break and neither would they. Throughout the 24-hour event, there was a lot of excitement with laps that caused quite a stir, such as the Hula/Hawaiian lap, Limbo lap, Pajama lap and more. A rooster crowing contest took place at 6 a.m. There were bands and stage performances throughout the event that ranged from The Eureka Band playing march music to The Wild Dogs, classic rock.

Not even a severe thunderstorm in the evening hours could put a damper on the spirits of those participating in the event. Hail, lightning, and lots of rain, didn’t send anyone home. They simply sheltered in the weight lifting room at the high school where they continued to keep to this year’s national theme of Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. Fight back they did. As soon as the raindrops ceased and the skies cleared, they were back on the track walking throughout the night. The Luminary Service was taken indoors and the schedule continued as planned.

The amount raised, the participation, the dedication of everyone made the 24-hour event a phenomenal success. “I am just so proud of everyone,” concluded Myers.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Pictured at left are winners of the first annual Little Mr. and Miss Relay pageant: J.T. Linkel and Lydia Cornett (holding trophies). The title of Mr. Congeniality also went to Linkel. The court pictured in no particular order included: First Runner Up Little Mr. Relay, Connor McCarty; First Runner Up Little Miss Relay, Avery Negangard; Second Runner Up Little Mr. Relay, Brady Linkel; Second Runner Up Little Miss Relay, Emma Newport; and Miss Congeniality, Ellen Hayhurst. The pageant took place at the Ripley County Relay for Life event Saturday, June 21 at the Batesville High School.