Joshua's HOPE events planned

By Wanda Combs
Editor

A young boy’s memory lives on with a scholarship fund, awarded to high school students each year. Already seven high school students have received a Joshua Cantrell Memorial Scholarship to help them continue their education.
The scholarship has become more widely known as Joshua’s HOPE (Helping Out By Promoting Education) Scholarship, and that is just what parents Travis and Laura Cantrell aim to do, to give students encouragement to achieve their educational goals despite the economic times.
“Education is very important to our entire family,” Laura Cantrell commented. “Every single member of the family has made that their career. We thought (a scholarship) would be a good way to honor Joshua.” Also, she said, when Joshua and other young children were fighting their battles with cancer a few years ago, everyone in the community gave them and their families so much support. “There were a lot of kids involved with the Same Fight and a lot of kids know us as Joshua’s parents. We thought it would be a way to give back to the Same Fight effort.”
Also the Cantrells wanted to do what they could to help medical research. “We chose the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “Pediatric oncology, unfortunately, is very unfunded.” In their recent newsletter, the Cantrells said that it was not until their son Joshua underwent treatments for a brain tumor did they realize there are still so many unknowns in modern medicine. “Brain cancer – especially in young developing bodies – must be delicately treated because of the cruel side effects of the disease itself as well as the medicine prescribed for it.”
Every years the plans expand for two major fundraisers to help not only with the scholarship fund, but also with Pediatric Brain Tumor research. Joshua’s 3rd Annual High Noon For HOPE concert is set for this Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in the Floyd County High School auditorium. Guests will include the groups High Noon and Statement and soloist Tara Hall. Joshua’s 3rd Annual Hoops for HOPE Alumni Games (including both men’s and women’s games) is planned for Saturday, April 3, in the new gym at the high school starting at 2:00 p.m. Games will be played at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00.
This year a planning committee – Carrie Dalton, Jason Dalton, Deana Swortzel, and Anna Pratt - helped with the organization of the alumni games. The three-point competition will again be held, and there will be activities for the children. Old jersey from the 1990’s will also be sold. Games will again be telecast live on the Citizens channel. Pizza, hot dogs and other refreshments will be sold. T-shirts will be sold.
The games are held on Easter weekend to make it easier for out of town alumni to attend, Laura said. Last year, Lisa Smith, an Ohio resident, was one of those who traveled to attend.
Laura’s father, Joel Pratt, an artist and also a member of the High Noon band, designed the concert t-shirts that will be sold at that event. Pizza, candy bars and drinks will also be available.
The Cantrells said support for the fundraisers has always exceeded their expectations, especially last year, because of the economy. The support continues to motivate and encourage them as they plan the annual events.