Another successful fundraising effort by students and staff in the Northport-East Northport School District has led to a donation totaling more than $51,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The annual event invites students, parents and community members to “Brave the Shave” by shaving their heads in solidarity with children battling childhood cancer. 
The event took place Friday, March 10 at Northport High School. The Commons were filled with positive energy as attendees cheered on those brave enough to undergo the shaving.  In addition to shaving, many others donated to the organization directly or volunteered their time in support of the worthy cause. 
To begin the event, local author and cancer survivor Charles Armstrong addressed the crowd to recount his own story of finding hope during a difficult time. His book, “The Dog Named Beef and Her Superpower” details the true story of how Charles’s dog Beef helped him find comfort and ultimately defeat brain cancer. 
“If anyone else is experiencing some troubles in life, you never  whether it’s good or bad or whether it’s just developing your character in some way for the future,” Armstrong said, while emphasizing how lessons can be learned through hardship. 
Assistant Superintendent Terrence Hinson hyped up the crowd and spoke with shavers throughout the event. Many expressed excitement about being a part of this important cause. 
Thank you to our dedicated National Honor Society students who volunteered their time and hard work to help make the event a success and run smoothly, as well as advisors Sara Kohlmann and Lynn Cromeyn for their tremendous support and oversight. 
St. Baldrick’s Foundation foundation works with pediatric oncologists to “determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer.”