Courage on the Court

By: Maya Rodriguez

Mason Brantley playing for Team Luekiemia.

    On April 23rd, East Wake Academy's gym was full of positive energy, competitiveness, and

purpose. Seniors Ava Brantley and Emerson Morris, founders of the Cancer Awareness club, along with adviser Leigh Ann Lane, hosted their third annual Volleybros event. “The club has turned into a powerful movement," said Emerson.

     Volleybros is not just a simple win-or-lose volleyball game. Volleybros features multiple teams representing different types of cancer, and the team that wins determines where the funds raised from this event will go.

     Throughout successes in the club, there have been many challenges. When asking Ava and Emerson if they were nervous about whether or not volleybros would work out, both admitted they had doubts. "Yes, we scrambled around,” Emerson explained. ”Yes, we were worried about the guys in the school not being interested in the activity,” said Ava

     Concerns quickly faded as the gym filled with laughter and joy as students warmed up for their big tournament. Volleybros was once just an idea, now it's one of the most anticipated events of the year. 

Dylan Plamer and Aaron Gardener practicing before the final.

     Looking at how much this event has grown, Ava expressed her pride in what they have built. "Volleybros is my favorite part of Cancer Awareness club," she said, adding, “I’m so glad everyone is excited; hopefully, the club will still be running after Emerson and I graduate.”

     As final points were scored and celebrations were happening all around, one thing was very clear to the students: Volleybros isn't just about competition, it's about awareness and giving back to those affected by cancer.  What Ava Brantely and Emerson Morris created is more than an event; it's where competition meets compassion and where students get reminded that no matter how much they contribute, they are making a change. 

     As the seniors prepare to graduate, the foundation they laid out in their sophomore year ensures that the Cancer Awareness club and Volleybros will continue to grow, carrying a message of hope for the future classes.