Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Students rally their school to offer care and support to those navigating breast cancer

North Ridgeville High School
High School, 8 students
North Ridgeville, Ohio
Adviser: Matthew Behne

Students across the country are stepping up to solve real challenges in their communities. At the North Ridgeville High School, a team of students saw a need and took action—demonstrating the power of leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their project, Beyond the Pink Ribbon, is a testament to what’s possible when young leaders take charge.

The Need:

This project was inspired by a powerful story shared by the school’s social worker, who had supported and encouraged a close friend through a breast cancer diagnosis. Several students on the team also had personal connections to the disease, having witnessed the emotional and physical toll it takes on both patients and their families. Motivated by a desire to offer care and encouragement, the students set a goal to create 20 bags filled with thoughtful, supportive items for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

The Project:

To begin, the students met with two teachers at their school who had experienced breast cancer to gather input on what items would be most meaningful and comforting. With their guidance, the team set up collection stations placed throughout the school to gather donations of chapstick, socks, headwraps, snacks, and blankets. 

To rally support, the students launched a school-wide campaign using morning announcements, posters, and emails. Their message resonated beyond their own team. Other student groups enthusiastically joined the effort: students with disabilities contributed by pressing fun, uplifting designs onto tote bags; the industrial technology class donated handmade stickers and custom blankets. The district’s communications director even helped amplify the campaign by sharing their efforts on social media, which generated a strong response and a surge in donations.

The Results:

The students successfully assembled and donated 20 “sunshine bags, achieving their original goal. They partnered with a local organization, The Gathering Place, to help distribute the completed care bags to patients in the community.

In recognition of their impact, Lead4Change awarded the team a $2,500 grant to double their reach and continue producing and distributing additional bags. Through this project, students not only witnessed the strength and compassion of their community, but also experienced the powerful ripple effect of collaboration—working together with peers, educators, and the broader district to make a difference.

Empowering Students to Lead with Purpose

These students didn’t just have a great idea—they had the leadership skills to bring it to life. That’s exactly what Lead4Change is all about.

Lead4Change is a free leadership curriculum that helps middle and high school students:
✅ Identify real needs in their communities
✅ Develop creative solutions
✅ Take meaningful action

Just like the students behind Beyond the Pink Ribbon, your students have the potential to create real change—they just need the right tools.

Bring Leadership to Your Classroom

Help your students lead, serve, and make a difference with our free, ready-to-use curriculum.

Every student has the potential to be a great leader who gets big things done. Lead4Change unlocks that potential—empowering them to see a problem, take action, and create lasting impact in their communities.

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