Let the shaving begin!

March 17^th 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.

Photos by Olivia Gabcova Captions by Annemarie Schaefer

Hoops for Haiti is a success!

Over 45 students competed in Hoops for Haiti last Friday in the field house. This year made history because not only one team won, but three! Over seven hundred dollars will go to Doctors without Borders, a non-profit organization that treats citizens that were affected by natural disasters in Haiti. Johnny Meyers won the fundraising award by collecting over one hundred dollars in donations.
All Vanguard students and staff all met at 1:30 in the gym to watch the championship games. History was made as the three teams combined to make a 5-on-5 exhibition match. They tied by 2:05. Trophies were awarded today in the tech center during big team.

The group!

Mr. Markos, Janet, Thad and Mr. Kain won!
"I just thought it was awesome how no body cared or complained that there wasn't just one champion. It was a very positive day. Every one was there for the right reasons," says Mr. Markos.

Luis, AJ and Mr. Stern: another winning team. They were a "free-agent team", formed just minutes before their first game. "This team gained a following. It was definitely a Cinderella Story. After other team's games were over, they would run over and watch this team play," says Pasta.
Kiahna, Enrique and Rachel were the final winning team.

Allison, Pasta and Kyle rocked their way through the tournament!

Nick, Salaam and Mandy prepare to play.

Ms. DeMeo, Brittany, Matt and Johnny gather before their next game.

Choolwe, Vanessa and Julio put on their game faces.

Lisa, Almir and Ms. McCann were in great spirits.
"Hoops for Haiti was a great experience, even though we didn't even win one game," says Almir.

Photos by Kayla Woodward
Captions by Annemarie Schaefer