Patriot Academy senior organizes breast cancer awareness event for students

A Broadalbin-Perth High School student is using her senior capstone project to raise awareness and support an important health cause within the school community.

As part of the Patriot Academy program, senior Angela Leto hosted “Feel for the Future,” a breast cancer awareness event for girls in grades 7-12 in the high school auditorium. The program focused on the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and understanding the resources available to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer.

The event featured Sharon Phillips from the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, who spoke about community resources and how fundraising supports patients and local research.

Students also heard a powerful personal story from breast cancer survivor Carla Leto, Angela’s mother, who shared her journey, resilience, and message of hope with those in attendance.

Leto organized the event as part of her Patriot Academy senior capstone service project, which challenges students to create meaningful service initiatives that benefit the community.

“It’s never too late to start learning about your health and wellbeing,” Leto said. “I decided to create this service project because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer unexpectedly. Through that experience, I learned how important it is to recognize the signs of early detection. Because of this, I believe every young woman my age should be educated about how to protect themselves and take care of their health.”

Through “Feel for the Future,” Leto said she aimed to provide younger students with knowledge, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of the importance of breast health awareness. According to her teachers, Leto’s work reflects the capstone program's core goal: to empower students to take leadership roles and make a positive impact through service.