Sumner Benefit Night to honor beloved Tiny Sparts Teacher

December 9, 2015 is a day forever engrained in Lisa Joyce Nelson’s mind.

It was the day the Sumner High School Tiny Sparts teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nelson moved to Sumner 13 years ago to raise her three children, now two sophomores at SHS and a second-grader at Maple Lawn Elementary. Six years ago, she started working as the Tiny Sparts teacher at the childcare center at Sumner High.

Her tie to Sumner doesn’t stop there.

Nelson — or Miss Joyce as her students call her — was selected three weeks ago as the beneficiary for the 10th annual Sumner Benefit Night Dinner Auction.

“I was super stoked and shocked,” she said. “I cried when they told me I was selected.”

Nelson started chemo last month, and is working despite her current battle with cancer. With chemo every Tuesday, Nelson powers through the week until the weekend, and takes most Mondays off to rest.

“This place is healing,” she said. “I wouldn’t be doing as well if I was at home.”

Coordinating the event is 17-year-old SHS senior Katie Rink, activities coordinator for the high school’s ASB club. While it’s Rink’s second year helping with Benefit Night, this year is special.

“We felt we needed to rally behind someone in our own district and school,” she said. “I love being able to help Miss Joyce and her family, and make a positive difference.”

Rink is working alongside her fellow ASB members, and under advisor and SHS teacher Brandon Wentzel.

“It’s pretty cool to help facilitate students serving others above themselves,” Wentzel said. “It really says something about their hearts.”

Both Wentzel and Rink agreed that Miss Joyce has done so much for their community and school, and to give back to her in her time of need has been a great experience.

The Benefit Night dinner auction is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 2 in the SHS gym. The dinner is catered and is $20 a plate. A silent and live auction are also scheduled for the event. Tickets will be sold at the door.

The SHS ASB will also hold two talent shows to raise money for Nelson, at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 and 26 at the SHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 and will be sold at the door.

Donations can also be given to the cause by calling the SHS main office at 253-891-5500.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Sumner Benefit Night to honor beloved Tiny Sparts Teacher."