PATRELL TURMAN Patrell Turman, a senior athlete at Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School, was the guest speaker at the kickoff assembly for "The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients" that was held January 12 in the Washington- Wilkes Middle School gym.

Turman was diagnosed three years ago with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He spoke to the students and teachers about his disease, the treatment he endured, and the importance of the penny drive.

This program teaches students the value of giving to others, while collecting funds for cancer research. Students simply join together to collect donations in the hopes of finding a cure for blood cancers.

If you would like to donate your spare change or write a check (payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) to support the penny drive, please feel free to drop it off at the front office at W-WMS. The last day to donate is February 23.