Bogalusa High School will host a spirit week to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Team Up for St. Jude Spirited by Varsity – Game Day program. The Bogalusa High School cheerleaders and football team are enlisting students and fans to “Team Up” to tackle childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases by cheering on the black and gold at Lewis V. Murray, Jr. Stadium on Friday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.

As the Lumberjacks take on the Franklinton High School Demons, Bogalusa High School is partnering with Varsity Brands to encourage students and fans to support St. Jude kids by participating in special events leading up to kickoff and throughout the game.

Both Bogalusa and Franklinton High Schools are donating the proceeds of the game day “Hope Starts with Us” T-shirts to St. Jude. Shirts can be purchased from either school while supplies lasts.

“The students, staff and coaches are excited to participate,” said Katasha August, BHS cheerleader coach. “By coming together as a school and igniting Lumberjack spirit, we have the chance to really help children fighting to beat cancer and other deadly diseases so that one day they, too, will be able to join their high school in spirit week.”

Throughout the school week, students will participate in coin wars, class challenges, pep rallies and a “pie in the face contest” where the coach who collects the most donations will be donned with a treat in front of the school by a Lumberjack football player to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.

The Lumberjack Cheerleaders are also hosting a cheer clinic for students in grades Pre-K to fifth. The clinic will be held after school on Wednesday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 13, from 3:45 p.m. until 5:15 pm, with participants being showcased during the game on Friday night. The cost of the clinic is $25 and a portion of the proceeds will also benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

On game day, the cheerleaders will be selling gold rooter pom-poms with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude.

“As principal of Bogalusa High School, I know the value of participating in this yearly event,” BHS principal Linda Pittman said. “I am asking all of our staff to please participate in all activities and buy and wear the ‘Hope Starts with Us’ tee shirts. It is a pleasure to see cheerleaders from Franklinton High and Bogalusa High working together as they strive to raise funds to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

In the past five years, the program has raised more than $4.4 million nationwide for St. Jude. For more information about Team Up for St. Jude, visit www.stjude.org/varsity.