Spartan spirit was stronger than ever during the March 30 Clips for Cancer event, which was sponsored by Steward’s Cancer Awareness Club. Onstage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre, 23 bold and generous participants had their heads shaved or their hair cut to support the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. The donated hair was given to Planet Hair, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy or alopecia. 

The school’s inaugural Cancer Awareness Club fundraiser took place in 2015 when Callen Smith ’20, inspired by a friend’s cancer diagnosis, spearheaded the event. Over the years, Steward has raised a total of more than $21,000 to benefit ASK and other charities! This year’s total of $5,550 was the most money raised by the Cancer Awareness Club at a single event.

Clips for Cancer is more than just an event; it is an embodiment of Spartans living the values of care and respect for one another.

This was the second time that Laura Luzzatto ’24 donated her hair. In 2019 she had her hair lopped off to support her father, who was going through chemotherapy.

“It was a traumatic experience for him to lose his hair, so I cannot imagine what it must be like for women and girls who lose their hair,” said Laura. “It felt great to once again be surrounded by fellow Spartans who were cheering me on.” 

Mickella Ferrer ’27 donated her locks because “I know how happy it will make someone who has lost their hair [to receive a wig]. To know I have given someone this gift fills my heart with happiness.” Mickella said it felt “amazing” to be onstage surrounded by her Steward family. “The support I got from teachers and friends helped me to feel less nervous,” she said. “I can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Liam Fogler ’29 honored someone very special when he had his head shaved during Clips for Cancer. 

“When I walked up on to the stage, I felt nervous,” said Liam, “but the reason I did it was because my aunt died [from cancer] one year ago.” 

When Dixon Mescall ’24 sat down to have his head shaved, he was thinking of his cousins’ grandmother, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. 

“I spent a lot of time playing outside with my little cousins during the pandemic and saw their grandma lose her hair due to treatment,” recalled Dixon.“We got really close, and I’m so glad she is now in remission.” Dixon’s mother, Delaney Mescall ’92, created a fundraiser on social media, sharing Dixon’s participation in Clips for Cancer, and the Mescall family raised $1580 in three days for the ASK Foundation!

Thank you to all who made Clips for Cancer possible, including professional hairstylists who donated their time and talent, Steward volunteer-haircutters and head-shavers, and the generous Spartans (including students from all grade divisions, plus three teachers and a parent) who were truly a “cut above the rest” by getting their hair cut or their heads shaved! A special thank you to the lively Clips for Cancer emcee, Upper School Science Teacher Eric Hopp, and the Cancer Awareness Club co-sponsors: Upper School Science Teacher Leslie Kovach and Upper School Mathematics Teacher Jennifer Maitland. 

Ms. Maitland shared, “Leslie and I were blown away by the response at the event — both the number of participants, as well as the money that was raised. We are so proud of our Steward community!