Each October, Shirley Chisholm Elementary School transforms its soccer field into a sea of pink—an emblem of courage, unity, and compassion. What began as a spirited athletic event has grown into a powerful day of purpose and remembrance. This year’s Pink Out Game was especially meaningful as the school partnered with the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund (TDJBCF) to raise awareness and honor survivors and families affected by cancer. 

 

The inspiration came from Ms. Jenna Sangastiano, a dedicated parent and Team Mom, who has become an integral part of the Shirley Chisholm soccer family. While planning this year’s event, she sought a local organization whose mission aligned with the team’s values of love, leadership, and community. Her search led to the TDJBCF—a nonprofit whose commitment to outreach, education, and survivor support reflected the same compassion seen daily at Shirley Chisholm. 

 

 

Together, Ms. Sangastiano and Coach Elijah Purnell (Coach E) reached out to the TDJBCF, inviting them to join this year’s event and share their message of hope and health with the Shirley Chisholm community. 

 

 

Representing the TDJBCF was Ms. Scarlett Small, who continues the mission of founder Ms. Thelma D. Jones—an 18-year breast cancer survivor, advocate, and educator—whose work has impacted thousands of families across the District and beyond. On game day, Ms. Small met with players, families, and staff, sharing resources that encouraged everyone to take proactive 

steps toward health awareness and community care. Her presence reminded students that advocacy can begin at any age—and that even small gestures, like wearing pink or cheering with purpose, can make a difference. 

 

After the final whistle, Coach E gathered players, families, and supporters for a heartfelt post-game celebration. He thanked the team for their passion and sportsmanship before recognizing both the TDJBCF and Ms. Sangastiano for helping bring the partnership to life. 

 

“Today isn’t just about soccer—it’s about community, courage, and compassion. We wear pink not only as a color, but as a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope.” In honor of Ms. Jones’s legacy, the team dedicated the game ball to the TDJBCF—symbolizing teamwork that extends far beyond the scoreboard. 

 

The message of unity carried onto the field, where both the boys’ and girls’ teams 

earned victories before an energized home crowd. By evening’s end, Shirley Chisholm Elementary proudly made an online donation of $250 to the TDJBCF. “For us,” said Coach E, “that donation represented more than a number—it represented connection, compassion, and community strength.” 

 

What began as a single game has blossomed into a shared vision for the future. Shirley 

Chisholm Elementary and the TDJBCF are exploring ways to develop an ongoing partnership to bring breast cancer education and wellness programming directly to students and families across Capitol Hill.  

 

The 2025 Pink Out Game closed with victories on the field and in the hearts of everyone present. Thanks to Team Mom Jenna Sangastiano’s leadership, CoachE’s vision, and the TDJBCF’s unwavering commitment, Shirley Chisholm Elementary continues to prove that every day is a great day to love, learn, and lead. 

 

Coach Elijah Purnell (Coach E) 

Behavior Technician | Head Soccer Coach | Site Lead 

■ elijahmpurnell@gmail.com | ■ (202) 705-2962 

 

Shirley Chisholm Elementary School 

1001 G  Street SE | Washington, DC 20003