Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School recently organized and hosted a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraising event, raising over $20,000 for research into finding a cure for childhood cancer. The two week fundraising efforts culminated in a morning head shaving event with 50 students, Newfield Principal Scott Graviano, administrators and teachers all going bald for a cause.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students and staff at Newfield for their unwavering drive to participate and give back to those less fortunate,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “The efforts of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation hits close to home for our Middle Country community as several students in our District have been faced with battling cancer at such a young age. It’s heartening to see everyone come together to honor the students who have passed, currently fighting cancer or are in remission.”
As students, teachers and administrators honored loved ones by getting their heads shaved, the Newfield High School community turned out in high numbers with an infectious energy and spirit. The event commenced with Newfield teacher Keith Hassett’s bagpipe performance, in traditional Irish dress. The festive atmosphere only grew throughout the morning with live music, Irish step dancing by eight members of the Mulvihill Lynch School Irish Dance and a growing number of participants braving the shave.
“The turnout and response we received over the past two weeks perfectly encapsulates the values and character of the students at Newfield,” said Scott Graviano, Newfield High School Principal. “Our students are always seeking new avenues to become engaged members of the Middle Country community and I’m honored to have helped the students facilitate such an extraordinary success alongside Assistant Principal’s Kevin Richman, Kim Pelan and Mark Palios.”
The head shaving event was hosted in Newfield’s Cosmetology Center – equipped with barber chairs, electric hair clippers and a special arc of green balloons. The cosmetology students were tasked with shaving all participants’ heads, serving as an educational experience and a lesson in service and giving back.
“I tell my students every day that we have the power to change lives,” said Toni Ingarra, Newfield Cosmetology teacher. “With this event, I think we proved to ourselves that by coming together we can make an influential impact on the lives of others.”
