Junior Board
The Junior Board is open to high school students who have an interest to learn about colon health and colorectal cancer prevention. Our members have a heart to serve and guide a nonprofit. Send an email to [email protected] for more information about membership.
High School Students can JOIN anytime!
Online meetings once/month September – May each year.
Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2)’s Junior Board, composed of high school students, provides a valuable opportunity to educate young people about colon health and colorectal cancer prevention while providing them with leadership opportunities. The initiative aims to raise awareness within younger communities and extend educational outreach to families, peers, and educators.
Data shows colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer-related death in people under age 50. There is a sharp increase in 20 and 30 year olds diagnosed with the disease. Young people born after 1990 are 2x more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 4x more likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer.
To prevent this disease, young people need engaging education which can lead to proactive healthier behaviors.
High school students are uniquely equipped to reach their peers, parents, and communities in ways which can contribute to an increase in screening rates and result in better health outcomes. HCB2 offers students innovative opportunities to bring their voice to the table.
Check out the Junior Board’s public service announcement, “Why I Care.”
Specifically, HCB2’s Junior Board members create educational content, plan informational activities, volunteer at events, and have the opportunity to create “colon clubs” within their high schools. The Junior Board members meet monthly via zoom, and the members work on various projects throughout nine months. Interested in applying? The application can be found HERE.
Examples of Junior Board projects include:
1. Instagram Takeover – Junior Board members are assigned a day during March where they have control over the gut health and colorectal cancer education posted on the @hittingcancerbelowthebelt Instagram and Facebook account. They create videos, post interviews, and share images to help raise the level of understanding about colon health and cancer prevention.
Check out Hudson’s video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B0RvNz0VGEQ
Check out Callie’s video:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oAKnHflsyec
2. Boxer Brief 5K – The members help create 5K signage for the course, market event, and recruit peers to volunteer or participate.
3. HCB2 Colon Club on High School Campus – The Junior members establish curriculum and activities for the HCB2 clubs within the high schools. During Junior Board meetings the club leaders share the work their school is doing to bring colon health and cancer prevention education into the school setting.
4. Check out the “Defeat the Rise” HCB2 page for general colon health and cancer prevention information specifically for young people. Click HERE.
5. Whack Cancer in the Gut pickleball and golf tournaments. The Junior Board raises awareness and brings colon health and colorectal cancer education to peers and the community during an entertaining Sunday afternoon. The funds raised help support their projects and work in the community. Future golf tournament is in the plans for early 2027.
5. During the 25/26 school year, the members helped to design their own logo and educational webpage. Click here:
2021 Founding Junior Board members.
New members not in photos include: Colin, Emma, Matthew, Ryker, Kinley, Annilise, Knox, Jackson, and Riordan!
The Junior Board started in 2021. Great photo of our founders!
Students benefit from:
- Obtaining community service hours,
- Standing out on college applications,
- Giving back to community, and
- Becoming educated about cancer prevention through the improvement of colon health.
The Junior Board meets on a monthly basis during the school year. Contact us to learn more!