March 17th wasn’t just St. Patrick’s Day. It was also St. Baldrick’s day.
St. Baldricks Foundation is a non-profit that raises money and awareness for children with cancer. Schools, bars, businesses, and many more take part in this charity by shaving their heads and collecting donations for cancer research.
"It's humbling to know that the work you do on behalf of the St. Baldrick's foundation could ultimately change the course of a child's life," stated Vanguard's coordinator Bobbi Felfle.
Students and staff through out the building gathered in the theater that morning to hear Forest View staff member, Mr. Schwarz, speak on behalf of children around the world battling pediatric cancer. He really opened everyone’s eyes to what a horrible disease cancer is, and what horrific things these small children have to live with on a daily basis. Tears, tension, and applaud filled the room. After all that, the shaving began!
"The only pin I could find was the 'Ask me why I'm bald' pin, not the 'Ask me why my hairline is receding' pin," said Pasta.
Our own Matt Beutel shaved heads along with many other students from Empire Beauty School. Students and staff from around the building flooded through the theatre throughout the day.
"It was really moving to see the sense of community and togetherness on this special day. A real memory maker. Hope we do it every year," said service coordinator Amy O'Neill who shaved her head at the event last year.
Mr. Schwarz speaks to the crowd.
The shaving took off.
Rachel Reza cut off a whopping 6.5 inches of her hair and donated it to another organization, Locks of Love, that makes wigs for kids fighting cancer.
Students whose hair wasn't long enough to donate, still showed support by shaving their hair like Hector Martinez.
Matt Beutel got the honor of shaving Mr. Kain's hair.
Vanguard math teacher, Ms. Gregornik-Garcia, chopped off 6 inches of her mane.
Future staff member Dr. Johns showed his St. Baldrick's spirit.
Jessica Oglesby cut off all her hair, leaving just barely one inch.
The final result. Jessica also served as the chairperson of the event as a service project, along with the super assistance of Ms. Felfle.
