Going gray at Washington Township High School

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP | Jon Nugent is hoping to turn his high school's gym into a sea of gray Friday night.

He's also heating up the rivalry between his Washington Township High School and their opponent in the basketball game, Morgan Township High School, by offering an ice cream party to the school that wears the most gray to the game. In particular, the gray T-shirts Nugent, a freshman, is selling to support and raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Nugent is trying to raise awareness and funds for something he knows about.

The son of Joe and Jo Nugent, Jon was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor on March 30, 2009. Jon underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and is doing well now, his mother said.

"Everything is coming back negative," Jo Nugent said.

But his positive prognosis doesn't mean he's putting the battle in the past. He wants to pay forward the kindness, support and consideration he received during his battle.

Jon has already raised more than $10,000 for the foundation.

"The last couple of years I've been doing bracelets, handing them out and getting donations," he said, adding he got the idea of having a "Gray Out" from another high school.

Last year, friends from Morgan Township put together a dance on his behalf.

During basketball games, he's promoted the cause, selling shots at making free throws for $1 each - for which many people would hand him a $20 bill instead.

"People are not self-centered," Jon said he's learned, adding he's been touched by the support he's been shown.

Manager of the high school's girls track team, he also plays soccer, volleyball and baseball for Washington Township and some day hopes to become a doctor.

Jon has already sold about 330 T-shirts that sport the emblem for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation awareness campaign. He'll be selling them Friday night -- just in case someone forgets the evening's suggested dress code.