BATH — Members of Bath Elementary School have set the bar high while raising funds in the fight against cancer.

The school’s Relay for Life team raised $5,867 during the 2017-2018 school year and was awarded a trophy for its efforts, according to teacher and team member Mindy Davis.

Bath Elementary topped other schools throughout Beaufort County in raising money for cancer research, and the award was presented to the team during April’s countywide Relay for Life event held at Washington High School.

Bath’s success came about through a series of events, including a basketball tournament pitting students against staff and parents, doughnut sales, a penny fundraiser and the sale of “Pirates with a Purpose” tee-shirts. The variety of projects means that even the youngest of students can participate in the effort, Davis noted.

Principal Spencer Pake said he is proud of the school’s efforts.

“Bath Elementary School is passionate about Relay for Life and our team works hard promoting our fundraisers and getting the school and community involved,” Pake said. “Cancer has touched the lives of many staff members and students at Bath, and it means so much when we are all able to come together to raise money for such a good cause.”

Planning is already underway for the 2018-2019 fundraising endeavors, according to Davis. Because of Bath Elementary’s success, Davis has been asked to step up and encourage other local schools in the planning of their Relay for Life events.

The school’s Relay for Life award, which has a place of honor in Bath Elementary’s trophy case, reminds the team of its hard work. The BES team hopes to inspire others along the way.

“Receiving this trophy is very exciting; it’s a great reminder that we have taken a stand against cancer and continue to do so,” Davis said. “Our kids are our future so it’s good to see them stepping up to help others. We need to instill in them how important it is to be a part of their community and participate in important causes like Relay for Life.”

Davis, a cancer survivor herself, is looking beyond the Bath Elementary campus this year when it comes to supporting Relay for Life.

“It’s my hope that all our schools will join us in this fight,” she said. “Together we can make a difference.”