LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Waves of Pink Fill Tiger Stadium for Linden’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Survivors, students, and families walk with purpose — honoring courage and inspiring hope.

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — On a brisk fall morning bathed in sunshine, Tiger Stadium came alive with purpose and pink as the Linden community turned out in force for the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. In every step and every cheer, students, families, survivors, and staff walked in tribute to hope, healing, and the power of togetherness.

Participants of all ages, including elementary, middle, and high school students, teachers, administrators, city council members, and families—came together to honor survivors, uplift fighters, and walk for a future without cancer. The stadium was a sea of pink boom sticks, t-shirts, and radiant energy.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins officially opened the event with powerful words that set the tone:

“We’re not just here in shades of pink—we’re here in shades of hope, unity, and strength. To every person currently fighting: you are not alone. To every survivor: you are proof that hope wins.”

She reflected on the invisible toll of the disease and honored those whose strength often goes unseen:

“The mental and emotional weight that walks hand in hand with the physical battle doesn’t always make the headlines,” she said. “But I’ve seen strength that refuses to quit—and love that refuses to let go.”

Mayor Derek Armstead followed with an urgent and practical message: “Everything else can wait. Don’t forget your health. Get a mammogram, get tested—because early detection saves lives. We want you around to see your children and grandchildren.”

“I Will Survive” Sets the Pace

Before the first lap began, the field pulsed with energy as participants joined in a spirited group warm-up led by the ever-enthusiastic Pelagia Lambrakopoulos, a fifth-grade teacher from School No. 2. Set to Whitney Houston's iconic song, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), the aerobics session transformed Tiger Stadium into a sea of motion and pink.

Boom sticks waved high in the air as students, staff, survivors, and community members—led by Mayor Armstead—danced and stretched in rhythm, channeling resilience, unity, and hope with every movement. The song’s iconic message echoed across the field, its lyrics taking on deeper meaning as the community prepared to honor survivors, remember those lost, and support those still fighting.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧

With hearts full and spirits high, participants gathered on the track beneath a grand pink balloon arch to begin the first ceremonial lap. Dressed in matching shirts, tutus, and bold smiles, they moved as one—students from every grade level, teachers and administrators, local officials, and families.

The crowd marched in waves of pink. First up were all participants walking in support of survivors. Later came a lap just for survivors themselves, followed by a final lap for hope.

Among the most touching sights of the morning was a group of friends who arrived in matching pink t-shirts proudly labeled “Support Squad.” They walked shoulder to shoulder beside their friend—a survivor whose courage inspired them all. With every lap around the track, they laughed, cried, and cheered, their shirts fluttering in the fall breeze like banners of resilience. Each step they took together carried deep meaning—celebrating survival, honoring strength, and reminding everyone present that true healing happens in community, not alone.

An emotional high point came near the finish line of the ceremonial lap involving a group of survivors. As they completed their lap, student-athletes from the girls’ varsity volleyball and soccer teams joined district leaders to form a celebratory boom stick tunnel—cheering, clapping, and raising their arms in solidarity. Survivors passed through this arch of love to wild applause and misty eyes.

More Than a Walk — A Celebration

The walk was just part of the celebration. Pink balloons and signage sprinkled the stadium, while families enjoyed face painting, canvas painting, massage therapy, and bracelet-making. A line never seemed to fade for the hot mini pancakes, served fresh and with smiles.

Board Member Brianna Armstead shared heartfelt appreciation with the crowd: “Every year, this event grows more beautiful. I’m so honored to stand with such courageous women. I hope to have half your strength. Let’s walk this walk for hope—and have some fun too!”

Assistant Superintendent Annabelle Louis echoed the spirit of the event: “Each step we take today brings us closer to a cure.”

But perhaps the most moving words came from longtime survivor and district educator Kim Kefalas, who helped plan the event: “I was here at 6 a.m. with Kathy—it was freezing,” she laughed. “But I knew the sun would shine. And here we are.”

As the walk continued, music filled the stadium, cheers echoed from the stands, and young students waved signs of support. Members of the girls’ sports teams—many fresh off their Pink Out volleyball game—walked side by side with their teachers, parents, and friends.

By mid-day when the even wound down, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a walk. It was a movement. A living, breathing expression of Linden’s unwavering spirit. As Dr. Perkins said best: “Together, we are stronger than cancer.”