Black Hawks Fight for a Cause at Kick Out Cancer Game

The Kick Out Cancer game provided an opportunity for players, coaches, students, and the community to honor loved ones who have been impacted by cancer and show support for those who have faced the disease. Each player and coach selected someone to honor during the game, and those individuals were honored before kickoff. 

BHHS football head coach, Scott Merchant said, “All of us have been touched by cancer. It is a way for us to show our support for those who have had the disease in our school community. We partnered with the Van Andel Institute and their Purple Community.  With purple being one of our school colors it seemed like a good fit.”

This year, players took the field in new purple jerseys and socks, while both Bloomfield Hills High School and West Bloomfield players wore purple ribbon decals on their helmets. BHHS principal, Dr. Dan Hartley, served as honorary captain and participated in the coin toss before the game. As he continues to navigate a personal health journey with strength and courage, it was especially meaningful to have Dr. Hartley on the field with our Black Hawks. We’re grateful for his leadership and the spirit he brings to our school community every day. The Van Andel Institute also joined the community at the game with a booth sharing information about its work. 

The celebration extended beyond the football field. Student Leadership organized the “Black Hawks Fight For…” wall, inviting students and teachers to write the names of people in their lives who have fought or are fighting cancer. Student Leadership representatives also helped sell additional Kick Out Cancer T-shirts and spirit items during the game through the school store. The Black Hawks were able to raise $1,700 to go to the Van Andel Institute. 

For the Black Hawks, the night was about more than football. It was a chance to stand together, honor members of the community and support the ongoing effort to find a cure through cancer research.