‘Sophie Strong’ Volleyball Night
Last Friday, Traverse City Christian School hosted an unforgettable “Sophie Strong” night during the annual homecoming volleyball games, drawing a huge crowd of TCCS families and visitors, all donning orange and pink to honor Sophie Stanton. There was an atmosphere of unity and love as both teams, including the visiting Lake Leelanau St. Mary players, wore t-shirts celebrating Sophie’s courage, showcasing remarkable sportsmanship between two rivals united in their shared faith in Jesus Christ. All proceeds, totaling over $1,500, were donated to PORT (Pediatric Oncology Resource Team at DeVos Children’s Hospital) to equip four “dream rooms” for children facing long-term, life-threatening treatments, a cause deeply personal to the Stanton family, who were profoundly moved by their own dream room experience.
The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, including a stirring performance of the national anthem delivered by Sophie’s close friends, Jonah Cairns and Leah Carlson (along with mom, Kellie Carlson), which set a tone of reverence and celebration for the evening. Sophie’s dad, Jimmy, touched the hearts of all present with beautiful memories of Sophie and a powerful gospel presentation. The event was a powerful testament to love, respect, and honor, blending fierce competition with a shared commitment to faith and community. It was a night that not only raised significant funds but also left a lasting impact on everyone who attended, reflecting the strength and spirit of Sophie and the unity of those who came together to support her.