Close Shave to Help Others
Glenwood High School has raised over $15,500 for cancer research and support programs through its involvement with this year’s Hills Relay For Life event.
Students and staff have held bake stalls, raffles and a head shave to raise money as a team in the Cancer Council fundraiser.
Science teacher Kiel Moore is used to close shaves, the House Captain Coordinator at Glenwood High usually has his head shaved when the school attends the annual charity event.
This year he was joined by Year 11 student Lucy North and Year 12 student Joshua Gleeson on the school’s quadrangle to have their heads shaved in front of the whole school.
“In past occasions, (the head shave) has been done on stage at Relay in front of mostly strangers. This year it was in front of my students and colleagues so it was a bit more confronting,” said Mr Moore.
Year 11 student Lucy North said she had wanted to shave her hair for a long time and says family and friends were extremely supportive.
“After some discussion, we decided to shave our heads in-front of the school rather than at the event to make it more personal and be surrounded by the people that supported and donated to us … it was so heart-warming to know that I had a community of people behind me the whole time, “she said.
Lucy opted for a #3 shave:” I absolutely love it! I do not have to worry about styling it in the morning, and it has boosted my self-esteem and self-confidence. I do not think I have stopped smiling since I shaved it all off”
Joshua Gleeson Year 12 and Vice- School Captain said he was initially hesitant about the shave but said he felt guilty about being vain about the way he looked.
“I started to think about all the people who have been taken away from me by cancer,” he said. “So many family members and close friends have been impacted by this unjustly selective disease, and too many have lost their long and arduous battles.
“Particularly, for our school, our dear Mrs Nash passed away just last year.
“ A team of 30 Glenwood High students and staff also attended the shortened Hills Relay For Life Event at Castle Hill Showground on Saturday, May 15.
Mr Moore said: “It is always great to show the wider community what amazing students we have here at Glenwood High School.
“This is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their leadership skills and most importantly, to raise money for cancer research and to educate other students about these difficult topics.”
