Students, Faculty Shave Their Head for CHS St. Baldricks Fundraiser

Hundreds of participants, volunteers and supporters came out for Commack High School's second annual St. Baldrick's fundraiser on March 18.

A long line snaked through the halls of the school at 3 p.m., as participants eagerly awaited to have their heads shaved to raise money for childhood cancer. 

Several faculty members, including Bill Scaduto, Lee Tunic and Dan Revera were also on line to get shaved. Special Education teacher , had a big crowd, including Assistant Principal Matt Keltos, on hand to cheer her on as she bravely shaved off all of her locks.

“This is a an exciting time," Jennifer Siebert said as she waited to get her head shaved. “Lets do it."

Supporters continued to cheer on the shavees as volunteers sold popcorn, bottled water, airbrushed tattoos, Islander ticket raffles and hair braiding, all in support of St. Baldrick's. Siebert said that 250 shavees were expected for the event. as the event carried on, participants continued to turn out in droves.

“Helping children—there could not be a better cause,” said teacher, Bill Scaduto, who organized the event, as well as participated. “There's really nothing better than that, this year it took a lot more work but the numbers are already astronomical.”

Students, teachers and community members alike all had mixed reactions, including excitement, joy and a few raw nerves. But one thing was clear: Everyone agreed on the importance of the St. Baldrick's mission.

"It's a little scary because I haven’t had a bald head since eighth grade,” said senior Manny Cruz said when asked how he was feeling as he waited on line to shave it all off. “My godmother died two years ago from cancer,  soit’s a pretty big deal for me. I met a friend a couple of weeks ago that has cancer so I'd like to do something to help.”

As Manny waited, the line behind him grew and grew, and volunteers certainly had their work cut out for them. The hairdressers did not have a minute to rest and neither did the broom boys, as they struggled to sweep up the hair that constantly fell to the gym floor. Anyone who appeared nervous pre-shave was all smiles once it was over. 

“I think it’s a really good idea because its for kids with cancer,” said a newly bald Commack senior Alex Victor, after he participated for the cause. “It's one of the hardest things to go through, I've had a family member with cancer so it touches home.”

By day's end, more than 200 heads were shaved, and $45,000 was raised for St. Baldrick's by the District.

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