The Alden High School community is coming together this week to honor the memory of T.J. Ackley, a former student who recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Organized by the Youth Against Cancer Club, the school is hosting a fundraising event to benefit the PUNT Foundation, a program that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families—a cause that was close to T.J. and his loved ones.

“We want to show him justice and raise money for the PUNT Foundation for all that they did for him,” said Lilly Bromstead, a senior and president of Youth Against Cancer. Bromstead, who shared childhood memories with T.J., emphasized how much he meant to the Alden community.

The fundraiser, called Roshambo (Rock, Paper, Scissors), allows students to donate a dollar in exchange for a necklace, which they can use to challenge others to a friendly game. Students with the most necklaces by the end of the week will compete for points in the school’s Battle of the Classes competition.

Mrs. Williams, the Youth Against Cancer Club advisor, expressed the importance of this initiative, saying, “All donations will go to PUNT in honor of T.J. and the impact he had on our school.”

Through this effort, Alden High School is keeping T.J.’s memory alive while supporting a cause that provides crucial assistance to families facing similar challenges.