A valuable lesson from Moniteau: Some things rise above rivalries
Butler County and the surrounding region should be proud of the character of its high school athletes.
When they heard Moniteau junior varsity volleyball player Annabella Cornelius was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and couldn’t compete in sports anymore, they put aside rivalries and competitiveness and stepped up.
As reported in the Wednesday edition of the Butler Eagle, “Moniteau teen supported in cancer battle,” a GoFundMe account created by Annabella’s cousin had raised over $17,000 in donations toward the costs of travel and treatment for her and her family. In addition, T-shirt sales and raffles have been held to lend a hand.
Among those contributing to help the family: the schools whose teams Annabella would have been competing against had she been able to play this year. Schools that have made donations include Karns City, Slippery Rock, North Clarion and DuBois Central Catholic. Notably, Slippery Rock Area High School’s volleyball program — one of those Annabella would have been competing against herself, has stepped up and organized multiple fundraisers.
Annabella has a long road ahead. She faces a grueling schedule of radiation treatments. But she can rest assured she isn’t facing things alone. The community as a whole and especially her peers, both at Moniteau and in other districts in the region, are firmly behind her. Like the T-shirts being sold to raise funds for her and her family say: “Her fight is our fight.”
— JP
