In continuation for their “Kick-It” campaign, junior Jordan Cartwright sets out for his second year raising money for the cause of fighting childhood cancer. The campaign calls on athletes to invoke their skills as a form of donation. Last year, he was able to raise up to $1,365 throughout his sophomore football season. To build better connections across the community, the Rock Hill Varsity kicker believed it would be best to partner up with the other football kickers within the Prosper ISD district.
Cartwright was initially inspired by Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a young girl who, despite battling neuroblastoma, initiated a lemonade stand in 2000 with the goal of raising money to help other children with cancer. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) was later created as a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding cancer research and providing emotional and financial support to childhood cancer families. This inspiration to serve the community took on a new meaning this year as the town of Prosper mourns a loss.
“After learning that Prosper High School lost a football player, Blake Marsh #72, to cancer over the summer,” J. Cartwright said. “I wanted to dedicate my season to him and thought it would be cool to get kickers from the other two PISD high schools on board.”
Chris Mager, Prosper High School’s kicker, quickly responded to Jordan’s request as he believed it would shine a light on the cause of childhood cancer, and the damaging effects it could have on family and friends.
“It’s a great way to help the community,” Mager said. “We’re all one big family. We just love helping each other out, and that’s what Prosper ISD is all about.”
Each kicker raises money throughout their individual season games when everyone from the stands is watching. Every dollar donated corresponds to an hour of childhood cancer research studied. Many parents of the kickers, such as Alyssa Cartwright, reached out to family and friends to support the awareness campaign. In total, they have raised $1,252 from game performances and other teammates throughout the football season.
“It warms my heart that these boys joined together to help raise money and awareness for childhood cancer,” A. Cartwright said. “In a day and age where everything is a competition, I’m thankful for each of their hearts in this endeavor and proud they are working together.”
The collaboration between all three high schools sets the standard of the Prosper community coming together as one to extend the cause of the campaign further and help with fundraising.
“Any time one of our players can support a program of this nature, it is great for them and our program and community,” Rock Hill Head Football Coach Mark Wilkinson said. “Our motto is ‘We are Prosper, we are one,’ and I think this exemplifies that motto of all kickers doing this together.”
With Walnut Grove recently opening for the 2023-24 school year, partnering with the other football teams across the district sets the standard of what it means to be united as a whole and that there is a deeper connection these football players participate in.
“I thought it was a good idea, especially for Walnut Grove’s opening year because it shows that Walnut Grove stands for more than just sports,” Walnut Grove junior Varsity kicker Domonic Sciano said. “We stand for good causes, too”
Even as the football season comes to an end, the three kickers will continue to partner with ALSF. The motivation behind their actions is to fight what no family wants to experience with their children. Both Alex Scott and Blake Marsh remain in the boys’ hearts as they continue this journey.
“I think it’s so important for kids and teens to be involved in fundraising because it teaches them to think about others, work towards helping others, and feel good about giving.” A. Cartwright said. “I also believe it helps the development of moral judgment and helps them better understand civic responsibility.”
