Up All Night for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Stephen Pihl and Emily Ciantra: Organizers of
the DECA event to promote awareness of pancreatic cancer

Later this evening, just as many of us will be thinking about getting some sleep, Nipmuc will welcome more than 200 students back to school to participate in an all night “lock-in.” Hosted by seniors Emily Ciantra and Stephen Pihl, the lock-in event is part of a DECA project aimed at raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. Running from 10pm – 7am, the event will provide a variety of activities to keep the students having fun including great food, movies, video games, and the main event of the evening – a volleyball tournament.

While the event is intended to provide a safe, enjoyable night of activity, the lock-in is not all fun and games. Stephen and Emily will begin the event by bringing all of the students into the Nipmuc auditorium where they will share information about pancreatic cancer and how many people and families are affected by this terrible disease. While they want our students to have an enjoyable night, they also want to be sure that they use this opportunity to educate them about the far-reaching effects of this form of cancer.

Stephen and Emily have worked long and hard on this project not only because they are motivated to be successful with their DECA project, but also because this is a cause that is close to their hearts. Last year this project to generate awareness for pancreatic cancer was run by a member of the Class of 2012 whose mom was battling this disease. This year, Stephen and Emily have adopted the project in her memory.

The night begins at 10pm here at Nipmuc. The brackets are set for the volleyball tournament that will be the highlight of the evening (and early morning). We ask that no outside food or drink be brought to the event. Our parents have worked hard to put food together, and the event is also being supported by donations from local businesses. Students will be asked to leave their bags in a “bag check” room. Chaperones will help students access their bags when needed. Additionally, all students attending the event need to remain at the lock-in throughout the entire event. Parents may dismiss their children beginning at 5am (with a note). All other students will be dismissed at 7am.

Thank you to DECA Advisor, Mr. Gary Perras for chaperoning this event as well as the many parent volunteers who are attending the evening, providing food, and working hard to support Stephen and Emily in their important project. We are also thankful for the support of the Upton Police Department, in particular, Officer Carl Ambrosino for spending the majority of the evening with our students.