Beautiful weather, dedication and inspiration were key in this year’s successful Relay For Life.

This year’s event was held at West Morris Central, Fri., June 17 to Sat., June 18. Next year, it will be at West Morris Mendham, as it alternates between the two schools.

With 70 teams, 660 participants came out for the event which raised more than $75,000; of which $60,000 was raised prior to the event during the year-long fundraising season.

The WMRHSD Relay for Life has been an annual tradition since 2005. It is often noted as one of the highlights of the West Morris District, falling just behind the IB program at the schools.

Michael Burton of Long Valley, who currently plays for the Detroit Lions, attended the event. A graduate of West Morris Central High School, Burton went on to Rutgers where he started his college football career as a walk on and by his senior year, he was named Team Captain.

Burton spoke at the luminaire ceremony, which honors those that we have lost to cancer and inspires others to continue the fight. Afterwards, he signed autographs and took pictures with the students who attended the event.

Also featured was a Battle of the Bands, an A Capella Showdown, a DJ playing throughout the night, face painting by local students, a variety of games and activities, and a multitude of themed laps. Also sponsored was a Survivor Dinner for cancer survivors and their caregivers who attended the event to honor their perseverance in the face of adversity.

The 2016 Relay for Life has been the most successful in recent years. Thanks to beautiful weather, a dedicated student committee, and inspiring participants, the West Morris District came together to fight back against cancer and celebrate those who have overcome the terrible disease.

Relay for Life is a true testimony to the unity within the community, as despite school rivalries, students from both Mendham and Central are able to work together to raise funds and awareness for a disease that touches the lives of everyone across the globe each day.