By Ellen Siefke
Copy Editor

Prospect used to host an annual “Pennies for Pasta” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in which the class that donated the most money would receive a pasta party. According to Service Club sponsor Dave Jacobson, this tradition lasted around 10 years until people began to get tired of it.

Now, the school was faced with coming up with a new idea, something fresh and fun that wouldn’t require too much work. Spanish teacher Mike Aldworth came to the rescue, suggesting an idea from his former school: a St. Baldrick’s event.

Four years later, the annual St. Baldrick’s collection in seventh-hour classes has ended, but the next phase is just beginning; according to Jacobson, this week will be dedicated to raising money through t-shirt sales in the commons during lunch hours and preparing for the head-shaving extravaganza Friday, March 14.

As usual, t-shirts will cost $10, and all proceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Students can simply buy a shirt, or they can choose to also have their head shaved. Those wishing to do so must pick up a permission form and have their parents sign it. Girls have the option of buying a green hair extension as well.

One change in the head-shaving process deals with the teachers. Normally, their heads are shaved during the spring pep assembly in April. However, since the pep assembly this year will happen between first and second hour, instead of at the end of the day, Jacobson feared that there wouldn’t be enough time. Now, the teachers will have their heads shaved alongside the students March 14.

Math teacher Mike Riedy participated in the first two years of the event because he saw it as a good way to help charity. One of the fun parts for him was the head-shaving week because he would grow out his hair to prepare.

Although he does not plan to participate this year, he likes this week because it spreads awareness of the charity.

“It’s a great conversation-starter,” Riedy said. “People ask you about it and then find out more about the charity.”

Besides the money raised through t-shirt sales and the class collections, there is another, lesser-known option for fundraising. Students and teachers alike can visit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation website and sign up for the event through Prospect; they can then begin their own fundraising.

Jacobson looks forward to the event each year and especially enjoys watching the shaving itself.

“It’s a nice thing to do during the dog days in February and March,” Jacobson said. “It’s a nice way to pass the time. Everyone gathers around, hooting and hollering and taking pictures with their friends. It’s just a fun, little thing to do.”