Once every year in October, Bowie students and staff dress up and wear pink to support breast cancer because the month is famous for the awareness of this issue. The seventeenth of October has the common name of Pink Out in the community.

In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime. It is the most common form of cancer seen worldwide among females today. However, deaths have decreased recently because of increasing awareness through events such as Pink Out.

Former leader of the project, Wendy Uzzle, explained how it all started.

“Pink Out started in 2012 as a way of raising awareness of breast cancer among high school students. The cheerleaders sponsor the event,” Uzzle said.

English teacher Amanda Pfeiffer thinks that it is imperative to support and bring awareness to problems such as breast cancer.

”It is a very important cause and we should all work in solidarity with those that are working toward finding a cure,” Pfeiffer said.

This project is beneficial for both the cheerleaders and the awareness of breast cancer among teens.

“The money we make from the pink out shirts goes towards the cheer leading group as a fund raiser which is great because the whole reason for the t-shirts is to remind the school’s community of the problems brought by breast cancer,” sophomore Caitlin Lee said.

Many students appreciate this act of care because they have loved ones affected by the battle of breast cancer.

“I have a family member who survived breast cancer and the only way she mentally endured through it was with our support,” sophomore Maggie Diaz said.

Although it may not seem like to some people, being there for someone who is in need of comfort can be one of the best ways to help someone.

“People with breast cancer often suffer from depression and loss of hope so when friends, family or even strangers support them through the hardships, it helps immensely,” Diaz said.

This festive school project is lead by the cheerleaders who promote this colorful day.

“We make posters at school, post about it on Twitter and Snapchat and tell our friends to spread the word,” Lee said.

The adults on the campus have been very proud of the students for promoting this important awareness.

“I think it is important when the students take the lead on those things students are passionate about and the teachers can support the cause,” Pfeiffer said.

This impactful school holiday has inspired many to grow upon the experience.

“It has a great amount of potential to make a difference if people dressed up because they were thinking about awareness compared to wearing pink for fun,” sophomore Justine Lockhart said.

Overall, the pink project has made a big difference and the turnout over the past years have been very positive.

“I am thrilled with how it has grown since. The cheerleaders now incorporate service projects to support breast cancer survivors and patients,” Uzzle said.

The cheerleaders can look forward to this day that occurs every year.

“My favorite part about the pink out is getting to wear pink with my team. We love the color and what we are honoring in October,” Lee said.

Not only is it fun for cheerleaders, but for students as well.

“I love the experience because it is always a good feeling to be doing something for others,” sophomore Aleah Iglesias said.