Clips for Cancer

Steward’s 11th annual Clips for Cancer fundraiser, sponsored by the school’s Cancer Awareness Club, was filled with emotion and joy. On February 20, volunteers had their hair cut or their heads shaved onstage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre during Community Time as an audience of students, faculty, staff, and parents cheered and applauded. The event was also livestreamed for families who couldn’t attend in person.

Funds raised during the event benefit ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, and the donated locks were given to Planet Hair, which makes wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy. 

As the enthusiastic audience watched, the soon-to-be shorn volunteers smiled as emcee (and Upper School Science Teacher) Eric Hopp encouraged the audience to donate. Upper School Mathematics Teacher and Cancer Awareness Club sponsor Jen Maitland, a cancer survivor, interviewed volunteers onstage and asked them what inspired them to participate. On a giant screen, a tally of the money raised was updated every few minutes, eliciting cheers (and even more donations). In all, more than $6,000 was raised during the event!

Inspired by Kindness
Thank you to the students, faculty, and staff who donated their hair:

Talia Adkins ’33, Juliet Forlano ’27, Braeden Glancy ’15 (College Counseling), Finleigh Hart ’27, Amy Harris (JK teacher), Anne Maury Haapala (director of dining services), Janel Nellen (Upper School teacher), Sadie Oliver ’32, Henry Orgain ’34, Lexi Turner ’27, and Jalyn Wheatley (Upper School teacher). 

And thank you to the students who had their heads shaved: 

Cooper Adams ’29, Andrew Felton ’29, Sam Hrabak ’32, Ian Joyner ’29, Parker Joyner ’32, Greyson Macedonio ’31, Andrew Gamache ’28, Hunter Killian ’27, and Tommy Inge ’26. Two students who were unable to attend the event had their heads shaved at home. Thank you, Tripp Oliff ’32 and Barron Watts ’32, for your generosity. A special shoutout to Mr. Hopp, who had his beard shaved!

The school’s first Cancer Awareness Club fundraiser took place in 2015 when Callen Smith ’20 spearheaded the event. Over the years, Steward has raised an astonishing $30,101 to benefit ASK! Clips for Cancer is just one example of how Spartans engage in experiences that encourage empathy and inspired thinking.

“Each year, I get onstage and think I’m prepared for what I already know — that Spartans are generous, kind, and thoughtful,” said Mrs. Maitland. “Then I see the inspirational photos of their loved ones and hear them share the ‘why’ behind their decision. I am always enormously touched by their stories. Clips for Cancer is one way our community members support their friends and loved ones, honor those they’ve lost, and engage in solidarity with their fellow Spartans. Blue-and-gold spirit is strong, and I am grateful to the participants, donors, and club members for making this event so meaningful.”  

Kyri Knudsen ’26, president of the Cancer Awareness Club, has participated in Clips for Cancer for four years. Service, she said, “is my way of showing my appreciation for all that my community has given me. My experiences at Steward have shown me how to step into leadership, speak up for myself and others, and appreciate the importance of service.” As club president, Kyri leads monthly meetings and ensures that group members feel comfortable collaborating and sharing their ideas. “I have loved my role in the club because it has given me many opportunities to be a changemaker and inspire others to do the same,” she said.

Snip, Snip, Hooray!
The Steward School is thankful for the professional stylists who shared their time and talent at the Clips for Cancer event: Courtney Brooks (of Courtney Brooks Salon) and Marissa Freeman (of Neon Oasis Salon). In addition, many thanks to teachers Eric Hopp, Kendall Hrabak, Emily Oliff, Scottie O’Neill, Kadie Parsley, and Julia Tompkins, who served as head shavers. 

The Cancer Awareness Club
In addition to Kyri, the Cancer Awareness Club is led by Campbell Vautrin ’26 (vice president), Ellie Kersey ’27 (secretary), and Molly Timmerman ’26 (treasurer). Members raise funds throughout the year through bake sales and other fundraisers. These hardworking students look forward to participating in the 21st annual ASK 5k & Fun Walk on May 16 at 9:30 a.m. at CarMax Park in Richmond. Come out and cheer them on! You’re also invited to support their efforts to raise money for ASK. Students interested in joining the Cancer Awareness Club may contact Mrs. Maitland.