Middle Twp. Students Cut Their Hair to Raise Money for Children Battling Cancer

Middle Township students and faculty raised almost $20,000 during their fifth St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser, nearly doubling their $10,000 goal.

Students gathered in the Middle School gym on March 17 for an activity that teaches courage and selflessness.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is known for its nationwide hair-shaving events that show solidarity with children battling cancer. Leading up to the main event, students and staff collect donations for their participation. 

Almost 60 Middle School students and volunteers shaved and donated their hair. This included Middle School staff members Jeff Ortman, Jessica Douglass, Julie Seitz, Christopher White, Amy McGarrity, Amanda Crafts, Robert Maloney, David Farrow, Nicholas Matousch and Everett Garrison. 

“I’d like to thank Monica DeRose, Jessica Douglass, Amanda Crafts and Domonique DeCamillo for organizing this event,” Ortman, the school principal, said in a news release. “The students who shaved their heads and donated hair were very proud of their accomplishments and how much we raised for such an important cause. This act symbolizes putting the needs of children above their own personal appearance. It’s such an important lesson.”  

As of the date of the event, eighth grader Eli Read raised more than $2,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in addition to shaving his head. Eli was the top fundraiser at Middle Township Middle School. 

St. Baldrick’s was founded in 2000 and has since become one of the largest private funders of childhood cancer research grants.  

“St. Baldrick’s events teach our students compassion while bringing awareness to a powerful cause,” Middle Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Salvo said in the release.

“It was incredible seeing the number of students who donated their hair or shaved their heads to show their support to children battling cancer. It’s a scary part of the process – losing their hair – so other students showing they’re not alone in this battle, it’s so important,” Salvo added.

    Eighth-graders Eli Read, left, and Dyveyen Adams show off their shaved heads during the St. Baldrick’s Day event.