Teachers, Students Shave Heads for Cancer Charity

ERMA — Hair today, gone tomorrow.
Nine teachers and eight students volunteered to shave their heads for cancer research March 25 at Lower Cape May Regional High School.
The event raised $11,000 for St. Baldrick’s, a foundation which funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government, more than $12 million in 2009.
The event was held in honor of Katie Elai, a regional high school student who recently passed away after a long struggle with cancer. Her mother was present to see the presentation of a check to St. Baldrick’s.
Barbers and beauticians volunteered their time. There were no fancy scissor cuts or blow dryers here. The haircuts were strictly the type boot camp recruits receive when then arrive for training.
Teacher T. J. Belasco arrived with green hair. He agreed to dye his hair green when fundraising exceeded a goal of $7,000. He lost all his hair shortly thereafter.
Regional High School Principal Joseph Castellucci went from a full head of hair to a bald. Also known as a member of the rock band “Old School,” he resembled Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins after his shearing.
Two women also had their head’s shaved, teacher Edie Vito and student Faith Post. Barbers Dan and George Cremin of Yankee Clippers did the honors.
Some honorary shavers were on hand, younger students who had undergone chemotherapy and now are in remission Barbers and beauticians donated their time to give the ultimate hair cuts to volunteers.
Students filled the gym and cheered as their teachers and friends went from bushy headed to billiard ball.