All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteers arrange for Notre Dame High School students to attend NBA game

Members of the Notre Dame High School senior class attend an Orlando Magic game with a PanCAN connection. (Photo courtesy Orlando Magic)

The Class of 2022 of Notre Dame High School recently returned from their Class Trip to Florida.  Class members spent time at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Cocoa Beach, as well as Sea World, April 10-14.

A highlight of the trip for the students was attending the last home game of the season of the NBA’s Orlando Magic.  The event was arranged by Nathan Burger, a member of the Orlando Magic staff, and Annette Fetty-Santilli, mother of senior class member Stephanie Santilli.  Both Nathan and Annette are members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) National Volunteer Advisory Council.  Nathan lost a good friend to pancreatic cancer, and is the PurpleStride Coordinator for the Central Florida PanCAN PurpleStride.  Annette lost her brother to pancreatic cancer, and is the West Virginia Community Partner for PanCAN.

Once Annette learned of the proposed trip to Orlando, she contacted Nathan and the plan was put in motion. 

Senior Stephanie Santilli of Philippi has volunteered for several years for PanCAN after losing her uncle to the disease, and recruited her friend Lucy Ruble-Osborne of Lost Creek to volunteer for the cause.  Lucy’s godmother is currently battling the disease.

Most of the members of the class had never attended an NBA game, and this was the perfect opportunity to arrange this actvity.

PanCAN is a nationwide organization of volunteers seeking to create a world in which all those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will thrive.  This was truly an example of volunteers working together to provide a wonderful experience for youth.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.