The Bold, The Brave, and The Bald

Emily Oberlender, Opinion Editor|February 24, 2016

Devon Wolfe

Mr. Greenawald and Mr. Ruch sold photoshopped pictures of Mr. Zeisloft hairless.

February 1 marked the beginning of the month long Pennies for Patients fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event, hosted at Southern Lehigh High School by National Honor Society (NHS) juniors, culminates in select teachers shaving their heads during a February 26 pep rally.

“We just try to get as much money as we can to donate to the organization,” National Honor Society fundraiser president Lauren Cocozza said.

To raise money, the National Honor Society set up boxes in every teacher’s homeroom where students could drop their spare change. NHS juniors also went around with collection jars specifically during Wednesday lunches and asked for donations.

“I think it’s really heartwarming to see the school come together and donate,” National Honor Society adviser Mrs. Lynne Kelly said.

To encourage students to donate, 11 teachers volunteered to shave their heads at certain checkpoints.

English teacher Mr. Joseph Castagna offered to shave his head at $250, followed by social studies teacher Mr. Paul Sabino at $500, social studies teacher Mr. David Krial at $750, science teacher Mr. Erik Steiner at $1000, English teacher Mr. Michael Fay at $1250, science teacher Mr. Jason Donnelly at $1500, health and physical education teacher Mr. Steven Schrader at $1750, math teacher Mr. Matt Greenwald at $2000, math teacher Mr. Paul Malik at $2500, social studies teacher Mr. Zeisloft at $3000, and Spanish teacher Señora Joan Imms-Geiser at $4000.

“The teachers are the biggest incentives,” Pennies for Patients public relations officer Talia Trackim said. “Who doesn’t want to see their favorite teachers go bald?”

Due to the incentives, the National Honor Society raised more money for Pennies for Patients than any other previous year so far, making this school year a legendary one for the fundraiser.

“We broke the all-time school record [of $1747.64],” Trackim said.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will use the money to fund program services such as research, patient and community service, public health education, and professional education.

“It’s a really great cause,” Trackim said. “All the money goes to help others.”