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Valley Tech Recognized for Student & Staff Fundraising Efforts

Oct 30, 2018 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson

BVT Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick accepts recognition from Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Community Relationship Manager Richard Pante and BVT.

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the five-year survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer is among the lowest of all major cancers at just 9 percent. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working to create better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families with the help of fundraising efforts across the nation. On September 17, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network recognized Blackstone Valley Tech’s Team Yancik Strong for their incredible work raising more than $15,000 to date to support pancreatic cancer research.
 
The BVT community began raising money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network as a way to support and honor HVAC&R instructor and football coach, Derek Yancik. The HVAC&R students and football players registered for the PurpleStride Boston Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer, enlisted the help of the school and local community, and began raising money. Through apparel fundraisers, bake sales, restaurant give back nights, school events, and donations, the team has raised more than $15,000 toward the fight.
 
Unfortunately, Yancik lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in May, but the students and staff are continuing their fundraising efforts to help future patients and families.
 
“I promised him last year that I would raise money again this year and attend the walk even if he wasn’t here,” said HVAC&R Class of 2018 graduate Allyson Charpentier. “I feel like I’m honoring him by keeping my promise.”
 
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network noticed the team’s fundraising prowess and recognized the students and staff with a certificate of appreciation and a letter from the organization’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Lynn Matrisian.
 
“I know that you became involved with PurpleStride Boston because of your high school football coach, Derek Yancik. Your team name says it best – you all are ‘Yancik Strong’ and you’re showing all of Boston and the nation that the students at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School are making a difference,” Dr. Matrisian wrote in her letter. “Your coach would be proud.”
 
If you would like to donate to team Yancik Strong, or join our students and staff at the 2018 PurpleStride Boston walk, please visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/givingback.
 
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.

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