Attending a small school has its ups and downs, certainly. However, recently, the small school environment had a big impact. Marco Island Academy held its first and certainly not last “Love is in the hair” St. Baldrick’s Event. St. Baldrick’s is an organization that promotes childhood cancer awareness and raises money for child cancer research. The Quill and Scroll, the International Honorary Society for High School Journalists, held the event during the spring pep rally on February 14th. “Love Is In the Hair” was a terrific success. MIA’s goal was to raise over 2,000 dollars, and that goal was met several days before the event.
Bake sales were held during lunch by the Quill and Scroll, with each member bringing in their home-baked goods, and bracelets were sold during school hours. The event had many generous donations from the students and even teachers; every person who raised 50 or more dollars was given a t-shirt from the organization.
The main event included twelve students and teachers who shaved their heads in solidarity. Hairdressers attended the school and participated in giving a helping hand to the shavees. Watching our teachers and fellow students shave their heads was a connection that MIA has not experienced before.
Quill and Scroll Vice President Senior Noa Batlle said, “Being able to see everything come together was so rewarding.” Batlle shared the experience of how everything falling into place was fulfilling as she reflected on all the dedication she and the Quill and Scroll put into this event for months.
Junior and Shavee, Jordan Rodden explained his feelings, “I was a little nervous going into the chair, but when I saw my friends and teachers joining me, I felt a sense of pride for my school and my community.” Rodden explains, “I look forward to being able to be a part of the event next year and hopefully get even more involved.”
The entire school gathered together in the gymnasium for the event. The event was electric, with students from every day sharing this special experience. The support and enthusiasm were hard-hitting as they all came together to support such an important cause.
Everyone has a close experience with cancer. In Marco Island Academy alone, several staff members have battled cancer. 1 in 285 children in the US will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. St. Baldricks and MIA’s charity event hopes to leave the legacy of supporting these children for many years at Marco Island Academy.
