Gallagher Blog: Dutchwomen Make Those Around Them Better People

The following blog written by Union goaltender Kate Gallagher appeared June 28 on the Women's Hockey Life Web site.

By Kate Gallagher

Hello to all and happy summer! Yes it is finally summer to us Union-goers. After the grueling spring term trimester, where most other schools have finished by the time our mid term exams roll around, we can finally join the rest of the world on the beach or at the lake. In between our bonfires, team BBQ’s, sun bathing, frantic emergency trips to Walmart to pick up fans and air conditioners, and (of course) our studying we have managed to fill our schedules as usual.  

Our community service efforts are extremely important to our program.  This year we took on a new challenge of planning a high school prom for special needs kids around the area. We had a tropical Hawaiian theme, not to be confused with a “Jamaican me crazy” theme, as Dania “hair appointment” Simmonds kindly pointed out to me that Jamaica and Hawaii are not the same place. We can’t all be geography majors. The kids loved it nonetheless, and we spent hours dancing to classic wedding music such as the Electric Slide and Shout. We had so much fun interacting with those who attended, and they wore us down quickly, as they all loved to dance! I’m talking about taking off our heels and having to walk home barefoot our legs hurt that bad from dancing. It got serious. 

We also participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. We are lucky Union is a host site for the area’s walk, and in years past it has been quite the event at Union. Complete with moon bounces, sumo suit wrestling, and oversized boxing, the night celebrates those who have survived, and honors those who have passed, in its own unique way. It attracts much of the student body, faculty, and members of the community to help donate and find a cure for so many effected by cancer. There are speeches given for those willing to tell their story, as well as singing and dancing by Union’s many musical groups. The whole night is a mixed bag of emotions as you walk around and see the candlelit bags with loved ones names on them, and can’t help but think of what we have to be thankful for.

Complete blog can be accessed via the Women's Hockey Life Web site by clicking here.