Cranberry High School teacher Kristin Sandrock handing out tickets for the game. Captured by Elena Garland
Cranberry freshman Kylie Godette, picture by Elena Garland
Freshman Julia Garland, picture by Elena Garland
Cranberry Senior Jadyn Shumaker posing with her parents, Chrissy and Ron Shumaker, picture by Elena Garland
Sophomore Darien Wenner, facing off with a Brookeville player, captured by Elena Garland
Cranberry teacher, Kassidy Stevenson buying a chain link for the benefit, captured by Elena Garland
People from the community help support the Kirkland Foundation by donating during the cancer basketball benefit game. Captured by Elena Garland
Shooting for Strength
Written by Audrina Peterson | 2/10/2026
On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2026, Cranberry High School hosted a Cancer Benefit Basketball game to support the Kirkland Foundation. All proceeds from the game were donated to the organization, which provides assistance to individuals and families battling cancer.
The event was organized by local resident Melissa Redfield to raise both funds and awareness for those affected by the disease. This marks the third consecutive year Cranberry High School has hosted the benefit.
Donations were collected throughout the night through contributions from local businesses as well as a 50/50 raffle.
Redfield shared that the event made a meaningful impact on both the school and local community, stating, “The event was very successful and will help cancer patients and their families in Venango County.”
The game, played against Brookville High School, also doubled as a senior night for Cranberry’s team, making the evening especially memorable for players and supporters. Fans filled the stands, showing strong encouragement for the players and the cause.
Redfield explained that the Kirtland Foundation has no income restrictions for those seeking help and assists with the “costs related to cancer treatments that place a significant amount of stress on patients and families.”
By the end of the night, the event raised $4,232 for the Kirkland Foundation. Adding to the celebration, the Cranberry Girls Varsity team secured a 39-36 victory, marking a win both on and off the court.
Front row: Ella Fleeger, Haylee Blauser, Mackenzie Kennedy, Kyleigh Godette, Amiley Hawke, Maria Schwab, Raegan Antrilli back row: Melissa Redfield, Carrie Melat, Julia Garland, Ava Earp, Elena Ishman, Darien Wenner, Emma Morrow, Jadyn Shumaker, Morgan Stewart, Cheyne Scarbrough, Shannon Morrow (photo contributed by Melissa Redfield)
Sophomore Elena Ishman guarding a Brookville student in a cancer benefit basketball game. Captured by Elena Garland
Freshman Ella Fleeger looking for a pass from Jadyn Shumaker Captured by Elena Garland
Cranberry students holding a “Bring it Berries” sign for the girls basketball team. Captured by Elena Garland