Lindenhurst High School Is Pretty in Pink [Photos]

The halls of were pretty in pink Friday as students, faculty and staff wore pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It was the culmination of a week-long event at the school to raise money for breast cancer research and support put on by the National Art Honor Society.

“We’ve been running a bake sale this week with raffles for baskets, as well as a wireless keyboard and mouse donated by Shirley Kennedy in the main office,” Cecelia Mattera told Lindenhurst Patch.

"We’re also selling bracelets along with pink carnations donated by the and Linden Florist. And we’re handing out pamphlets and information about breast cancer," she continued.

Mattera, an art teacher at the LHS and the advisor for the NAHS, has been organizing this event for the past five years.

“Every year I ask the students what charities they want to be involved with. A few years ago, this one came up, and it’s become a tradition,” she said.

Indeed, the NAHS students provide all of the baked goods. This year a few baked contributions from teachers supplemented the spread of muffins, cookies, carrot cake, cupcakes and chocolate-covered pretzels.

The Lindenhurst also donated a stack of cards for free desserts to hand out to those who purchased something. Pink ribbons were also given out.

Everyone at the school was asked to dress in pink on Friday, at the request of the NAHS via fliers Mattera and her students distributed.

“Many of the students did, and I’d say of the ones who did, the split among girls and boys who dressed up was about 60/40. We also have teacher dress-down day where the teachers pay $5 to dress down, and today many dressed in pink. I’d say the response was huge this year,” Mattera said.

There were basket prizes for the best dressed in pink, male and female students – which were won by two seniors. Among the teachers Kevin Pike, LHS marching band director, won that honor.

Sue Smidt in the attendance office won the teacher/staff raffle while Anna Matajy won the wireless keyboard and mouse.

Mattera said this year’s event was on track to raise about $2,000.

“I’d say this was one of our most successful years ever,” she said. “And I’m so proud my students. They came during free periods to stay at the tables in the rotunda. And many of the kids who came by the tables didn’t even buy anything, instead donating a $1 or $2 to the cause. Many who did, they told us to keep the change.”

All of the money raised this week will be turned in at the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk on at Jones Beach.

Mattera organized a group of 24 from the NAHS and eight parents to walk. It’s something that completes the breast cancer awareness event each year.

“This year is the largest group we’re taking, and still more people were asking about it all week and today,” Mattera said, who appreciated the outpouring of support for the cause.

“I think breast cancer’s touched way too many of us,” she said.