Students, Staff Perform at 25th 'Rock Against Cancer' Event

On March 7, the school community turned out for good tunes—and an even better cause—as musical groups and solo performers took the EHS auditorium stage for the 25th annual “Rock Against Cancer” event.

The event—organized by the Eastchester Government Organization (EGO)—is always one of largest fundraising efforts of the year. Friday’s event featured 14 performances from middle and high school students, as well as faculty and staff members, and was one of the more successful iterations in recent years, with Friday’s show bringing in more than $4,000 in donations for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

EHS senior Trevor Smith, who served as the chair for this year’s "Rock Against Cancer,” said he was honored to assume a leadership role this year given the unique place the event holds among Eastchester community members.

“I have always loved the event and the atmosphere that it brings, but in the past I had never had the chance to fully run it,” said Smith. “During the planning process, I made sure to get all hands on deck to make sure the event was not only on the students’ agenda, but also on the agenda of faculty, peers and family. We had everyone make posters, create promotional videos, and slap a Donation QR code on every square inch of the school.”

Smith said that events such as this one provide a unique insight into the mindset of Eastchester students, as they highlight an eagerness to spread positivity and help others.

“I believe that Rock Against Cancer is a special event, because it gives both the performers and people in attendance a chance to unite for a cause that is bigger than just our town and the music itself,” he said. “Using this power that we have as a community, we can accomplish so much more than we would as individuals.”

Smith added that celebrating the musical talents of fellow Eastchester students is always a wonderful experience, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for youngsters to see some of their teachers in a different light.

“For example, the band ‘The Limit’ consists of many of our beloved faculty and staff such as Mr. Gruber, Mr. Dodge, Nick Sochan, and newly, Mr Hatzfeld. It always comes to mind as a standout act throughout the years,” said Smith. “We have seen this band tear down the house year after year, and usually bring a large audience in. 

“Our students have great relationships with our teachers and faculty,” he added. “So it’s great to see them perform and collaborate in a meaningful way.”