RHS volleyball, HOSA to support SDR employee during Pink Out game Oct. 3

The Rhinelander High School volleyball team and the RHS chapter of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) are teaming up for breast cancer awareness and to support a district employee afflicted by the disease when they host the Pink Out game Thursday, Oct. 3 as the Hodag volleyball team takes on Medford at the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium.

The two groups are rallying together to support Holly Klaas, a 2004 Hodag alumna, school district employee and beloved community member, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Klaas has worked for the past 16 years in every school in the district from elementary all the way up to the high school and is currently working as an educational sign language interpreter at Crescent Elementary School. 

“She is a true warrior in her battle who has already undergone a double mastectomy this summer, continuing chemotherapy, and eventually will be getting radiation, along with another surgery in the near future,” RHS HOSA advisor Sadie Adamski stated in a release announcing the initiative. 

The game is Rhinelander’s first home match in October, which is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink is the color synonymous with breast cancer awareness.

All levels of the Hodag volleyball program are slated to take part in the event. Action will begin at 5 p.m. on the far court with the JV2 match, followed by the JV3 match at 6. The main court will feature the JV match at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 7.

During the night there will be a 50/50 raffle, $5 serving games, lotus energy drinks for $5 and a $1 memory honor wall. All proceeds raised from the event will go to the Klaas family to help during Holly’s battle. 

“No matter how small or large of a donation, it will make an impact on the family,” Adamski said. “Thank you and please keep Holly and her family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

For those unable to attend Oct. 3, but still wish to support the cause, donations cam be dropped of in advance at the Rhinelander High School office.