The Cedar Springs Varsity Soccer Team will play the Rockford Rams in a purple game on April 16 to commemorate the memory of Scott Hazel.

Cedar Springs and Rockford soccer teams honor teacher

The Scott Hazel Memorial Game will be hosted by the Rockford Rams on April 16 at 7 p.m. (The JV game will be played immediately prior to this game.)

Scott Hazel lost his battle against cancer last summer. The Rams and the Red Hawks are coming together to raise money for the Purple Community in his memory. Mr. Hazel coached soccer at both Rockford and Cedar Springs at various levels, and was a well-known and much loved teacher in Cedar Springs.

Yes, there will be a game but this night will be so much more as both communities come together to honor Scott Hazel and raise money for cancer research in memory of him.

Rockford’s school colors are orange and black and Cedar Springs are red and black. However, on April 16, both communities will come together in a sea of purple for the man who influenced so many.

Current and former Detroit Lions players to compete against local supporters in basketball game to raise money for teacher’s cancer treatment and expenses

Scott Hazel

More than 600 tickets have already been sold to the “Team Hazel versus Detroit Lions” game to benefit beloved Cedar Springs High School teacher and soccer coach Scotty Hazel. On May 3, at 7 p.m., at Cedar Springs High School, current and former Detroit Lions football players will take on local members of “Team Hazel,” a group of community members who have come together to show their support of Scott, who is undergoing treatment for liposarcoma.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the door or by calling (616) 340-0653.

A large portion of ticket sales have come from the students he’s inspired over the years. The public outpouring of support is evident on the “Purple Haze Page” on facebook that was created to provide regular updates from Hazel and encouraging thoughts from friends. It has more than 1,700 members.

“Scott is that teacher who is equally loved and admired by teachers and students alike. He’s given an incomparable amount of positive dedication to this community over the years. I’m so glad we have an opportunity to give back to him,” says event organizer and former Cedar Springs teacher, Cliffton Young.

Young is working with former Grand Valley football player stand out, former Lions player, and Detroit sports announcer, Rob Rubick, to assemble the Lions team. While the names of the Lions players will be released closer to the event, the Team Hazel roster is slated to include:

Players:

Buck Burnett, Cedar Springs Police Officer; Cedar Springs High School alumni

Heather Carlson, Cedar Springs High School Teacher

Don Carlson, Regal Financial

Roger Carr, Cedar Springs Elementary School Teacher

Pat Hillary, H20 Plumbing

Brooke Holt, Cedar Springs High School Teacher

Jeremy Plain, Cedar Springs Elementary School Teacher

Andy Secor, Cedar Springs Elementary School Principal

Ryan Smith, Argus Financial

Austin Thornton, former player Michigan State University basketball player; Cedar Springs High School alumni

Head Referee:

Dan Rypma Muskegon Community College Instructor, Cedar Springs resident

Come out and show your support Scott Hazel and enjoy a great game!

by: Sam Taylor

For the past four or five years the Cedar Springs High School Student Activities Council (SAC) has sponsored a variety show as the kick off to Cedar Pride Week. Cedar Pride Week was organized by high school teacher Mr. Scott Hazel in the mid 90s at the old high school.  It has always been billed as a chance for students and staff to celebrate the end of winter and as a send-off before spring break.

This year Cedar Pride Week begins Thursday, March 21and runs through Thursday, March 28. During that week, the students engage in many activities including spirit days, the Good Deed Lottery, and the give away of a prom package.

“It is sort of like Homecoming in the springtime,” said SAC advisor Mr. Scott Hazel.

Traditionally kicking off Cedar Pride Week is the variety show “Montage.” This event showcasing the talent of Cedar Springs High School students has been a smashing success in the past and gets better every year. It typically consists of 15  to 20 acts ranging from juggling to vocalists, bands, comedy, and even magic acts.  This year looks to be no exception. It is organized in a similar manner as American Idol with teachers and Board of Education members acting as judges. The top three places receive cash prizes; $100, $75, and $50 respectfully.  It is a great opportunity to see students choose and perform what they want; a great night of entertainment.

Montage 2013 will be held in the Cedar Springs High School auditorium Thursday, March 21^st beginning at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $5 at the door; children 10 and under are free.