Good News: Members of GVHS Swim & Dive team raise $1,000 for cancer research

Submitted by Christy Martin

​On August 26, five members of the Grain Valley Swim and Dive Team woke up at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for the St. Louis Swim Across America Open Water event.  Open water swimming is comparable to cross country running.  Due to the many safety requirements, there is only one formal race event held in Missouri each year. 

Each of the swimmers had a reason to swim the 1 mile or 2 mile distance.  Some were swimming for a personal challenge, and others were swimming for the people they love who were affected by cancer.  These athletes were able to use their drive and talent to fundraise as a team to donate $1000 for cancer research.  They proudly wore GVHS and #The Valley Way sharpied in their backs as they stood in a crowd of 530 collegiate, high school, and past olympian swimmers. 

As they stood for two hours in the pouring down rain prepared to swim, the storm rolled in with thunder and lightning.  The event was canceled, as it was unsafe to get into the water.   These five teenagers realized then, that being a part of a cause and helping others is what life is about.  Although they were very disappointed, each understood that being a good competitor is not always about best times or racing. The canceled event only made them excited to participate in this event next year.  

Pictured: Alayna Power-Tuttle, Ellie Martin, Gage Wright, Morgan Brown, and Haden Harshman. Photo credit: Christy Martin