VECC students Maeve Bergman and Robert Salvato won the raffle to shave the heads of 5th-grade teacher Jim Henry and Principal Rob Baker.
By BROOKE FELDMAN
VENTNOR – Students at the Ventnor Educational Community Complex enjoyed a jam-packed day Thursday afternoon to raise money for a worthy cause that hits home for too many – childhood cancer.
The school partners each year with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to find a cure for pediatric cancers.
On St. Baldrick’s Day, students who met their fundraising goal got the opportunity to shave their heads and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
“It means a lot for the kids,” Middle School Principal Robert Baker said. “It also means a lot for us, as educators, that the kids have so much heart.”
The school’s goal was $5,000, which was surpassed before the event even began. The first-graders alone raised $1,580. Sixth-grader Robert Salvato collected the most money individually – $456.05 – and was the first student selected to participate in a raffle. The prize – to shave their principal’s head.
Sixth-grader Robert Salvato raised the most money and received the Yakita Award in memory of teacher Scott Yakita.
“I wanted to do something that was fun for the kids and something we could rally around,” Baker said. “It’s exciting that the kids get to tell a story that they got to shave their principal’s head.”
Barbers from Gas Up Barbershop and Shave Co. in Somers Point volunteered their time to shave heads in support of the students’ efforts.
Sixth-grader Royce Jones was eager to have his head shaved in front of the entire school gathered in the gym.
“I want to support the kids who have childhood cancer,” Royce said. “It shows that you care about them and that you are helping them.”
From left, sixth-graders Noah Polinski, Royce Jones and Jimmy Colossi raised money to find a cure for childhood cancers.
Some of the students who participated have been affected by cancer in one way or another.
“A lot of my family had cancer, so I am raising money for them and for other people who have it,” said fifth-grader Dean Litrenta, who also had his head shaved.
Working with St. Baldrick’s Foundation has been a school tradition for many years with beloved teacher Scott Yakita at the helm. After his sudden, unexpected passing in October, Jim Henry stepped in to carry on Yakita’s legacy.
“Being a first-year teacher here, I am humbled to be a part of this,” said Henry, who allowed students to shave his head alongside Baker. “It really is a great feeling.”
Henry first partnered with St. Baldrick’s Foundation while teaching in Buena about seven years ago. One of his students passed away from cancer, igniting Henry’s fight for a cure.
“My first year was the toughest,” Henry said. “Here, we have so many teachers that are battling cancer as well. It’s not just about the kids who have cancer. It’s about bringing attention to needing a cure. It’s a big deal for me.”
Dodgeball, tug-of-war and a teacher-versus-student basketball game were just a few of the day’s activities. The focus of the event was community uniting for a cause.
Ventnor City firefighters joined the students in a game of dodgeball.
The Ventnor City Police and Fire departments donated to the cause, and groups of first responders were seen leaving the school with bare heads and full hearts.
“When school and community come together, there is nothing we can’t do,” Henry said.
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