Shaving their way to a cure for pediatric cancer, students and staff at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights took part in their 10th annual St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser on Friday.
“I was asked by a few students, so I said ‘yes’ because it’s a good cause,” said social studies teacher Brian Kemp.
As the “winner” of a student fundraising competition, Kemp stepped up to have his head shaved during the honors assembly Friday.
“I’ve never had my hair cut this short before, and it hurts,” Kemp said.
Students and staff at Hersey have raised more than $114,000 for pediatric cancer research in the past 10 years, culminating each year with the head-shaving rituals during the school’s annual St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser, said Hersey teacher Mark Gunther.
He also serves as the longtime sponsor of Service Over Self (SOS), a community service club.
“We celebrate St. Baldrick’s Day at the honors assembly because it’s an honor and a generous gift to be able to give back,” Gunther said.
The haircuts will continue next week, when a contingent of students will have their heads shaved as part of pre-spring break festivities at the school, he said.
The honors assembly Friday also featured a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Students packed the bleachers to create a sea of green, as they cheered on dozens of their classmates who were honored for everything from academics and extra-curricular achievements to community service and exemplary citizenship.
Hersey senior and SOS member Tara Daily, 17, said she volunteers each year for the St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser because it supports a cause she holds close to heart.
“We’ve been passing around buckets in our classes to raise money, and Mr. Kemp’s class collected the most,” Daily said. “It’s a lot of fun to help out behind the scenes, and knowing that the money we raise will save a lot of kids … it’s just awesome, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
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