On Thursday, October 27th during the post lunch-hour lull, clumps of hair could be found lying on the floor of the Student Commons area.  These were not part of a scene from a horror movie, but instead the remnants of West Side’s REACH Club’s Red Ribbon Week fundraiser.

During the past week, the REACH club had set out jars in front of the high school office, each with the face of an upperclassman boy.  Throughout the week, students and faculty were invited to put money into the jars.  At the end of the week, the two boys with the most money in their jars would be the victims of a buzz cut.  The two “winners” were Lucas Owen and Caleb Shinn.

On Thursday during the lunch hour, the Student Commons area was extremely crowded.  REACH leader Farah Alucozai prepared spectators for the head-shaving spectacle about to begin.  Several students pulled out camcorders and cameras to document the event.

“It was a little weird having my hair cut in front of everyone,” said Owen, who volunteered to be a candidate for the fundraiser at the request of Alucozai.

Owen’s and Shinn’s clothes were protected by a plastic cover as Mr. Leffert proceeded to simultaneously shave both their heads.  By the time the boys had lost a majority of their hair, more and more students had joined the crowd, which also included a few teachers.

At the height of the excitement, Mr. Levy took the stage prepared to shave off his beard.  There was a clause, however; the crowd had to pool together $30 first.  This feat was quickly achieved, and the crowd cheered as Mr. Levy’s beard joined the hair of Shinn and Owen on the ground.

While the fun event raised money for a good cause, it was also a great way to bring together a large number of the student body.