CHANDLER — Students at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School have thought of a creative way to honor a former student who lost his battle with cancer last April.

Arie Fitzhugh, who graduated from Seton in 2011, succumbed to rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of childhood cancer, but not without a fierce fight.

McKenzie Murdock, Brenna McLean and Jessica Bailey, all seniors at the school, wanted to raise money to create a campus memorial to Fitzhugh.

“We are hoping to do a tree or a bench with a plaque, something symbolic that will always be there, that people will notice and be around all the time,” McLean said.

The three students are hosting a tailgate party Sept. 14, prior to Seton’s football game against San Tan Foothills High School.

“There’s going to be food, games, face-painting, a raffle and a DJ,” McLean said. “Then at the game, we’re going to do a tribute at halftime with a prayer and tribute to Arie.”

The three girls have also designed T-shirts they’ve been selling for the cause. The Sentinel-red T-shirts are emblazoned with the words “Tackle the Cure, In loving memory of Arie Fitzhugh.” The back of the shirt declares, “Once a Sentinel, Always a Sentinel.” Students are allowed to wear them as part of Friday Spirit shirts.

Money raised from the tailgate and T-shirt sales will be used to fund the memorial to Fitzhugh and any remaining funds will be donated to research to help find a cure for rhabdomyosarcoma.

“We hope for the support of our community in our efforts to remember such a courageous young man,” the Facebook page devoted to the event states. “Arie's remarkable strength not only inspired his family and friends, but the entire Seton community.”

Tackle the Cure

When: Friday, Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Seton Catholic Preparatory High School, 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler

What: Tailgate to raise money for memorial to Arie Fitzhugh followed by football game, raffle and tribute

More info: [email protected]