School years are marked by events in time; moments that standout
among the typical and become bigger than anticipated. These events help to
shape a school’s culture and define the norms and expectations of the adults
and students that call a building home.
On March 28th West Genesee Middle School had one
of those moments when our students, staff and members of our school community came
together as one and hosted our first St. Baldrick’s event. The event originated
as an idea from some of our students back in December who were looking for a
way to get involved and make a difference in the lives of other people. Our
conversation was the springboard for what became our St. Baldrick’s event that all
of our students, staff and school community could rally around, have some fun, raise
money and raise awareness for childhood cancer.
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| Team Wildcat pre-shave photo |
Nine staff members committed to growing their hair and then
shaving it off. Hair length, hair style and the use of various hair products
was the topic of conversation for three months leading up to the event. During
each of our three lunch periods on the 28th different shavees had
their heads shaved up on our stage in the cafeteria so that each of our three
grade levels could be a part of the event.
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| Mr. Sparks & Mr. Chapman awaiting the clippers |
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| Shavees Mr. Sweeney & Mr. Voll ready to go bald! |
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| Sporting the curly mohawk for the cause |
Pictures don’t fully capture the
excitement, joy, unity and pride that filled our building on that afternoon. All
of us, shavees, students, volunteers, and supporters were part of something
very special. In all we raised $4,660 to help fight childhood cancer!! But even
more impressive, we saw how an idea and a desire to make a difference by our
students could bring a school together and help fight something that far too
many of us have been affected by in some way. Thank you to everyone who supported
our efforts and we look forward to making our event bigger and better for 2015! #Wildcatpride #GoBaldOrGoHome
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| Team Wildcat post-shave: bald and looking good! |
