At Face Value
As Facial Hair February nears the end, participants are itching to spread the message
The Print Shop has partnered with Facial Hair February, allowing students to bring in old t-shirts to be printed for a charitable donation.
February 27, 2019
Teachers looking scrappy lately? I promise it’s not your class period’s bad essays; it’s the final stretch of this year’s Facial Hair February fundraiser!
Facial Hair February, a project spearheaded by Mr. Mooney, has swept the school with teachers and students alike embracing their scruffier sides. With only two days left in the month, the campaign has been a resounding success.
“Each year, we try to make it better,” said Mr. Mooney. “It’s been thirteen years of improving.”
In letting their facial hair grow out — patchy or not — participating teachers and students fundraise for the Highmark Caring Place, an organization that helps children deal with the death of a family member and guides them through the grieving process.
“Children always need so much support, care, and attention, and the idea of death is such a challenge for anyone at any age, but especially for children,” Mooney continued. “The grieving process really does take a lot of care and consideration. In a really tender way, it strikes me as this really important program for kids.”
For a way to let NASH’s women in on the fun — and to let participating boys explain their newfound looks — Facial Hair February organizers have partnered with the school’s print shop to create shirts adorned with the project’s logos for free. All they ask is that you provide the shirt and a small donation.
“It’s a cool, fun way to raise awareness,” said junior Aydan Klobuchar, who got a hoodie printed with the logo during homeroom.
photo by Nathan Kelly
Mooney is especially pleased with this new feature to the annual fundraiser.
“This year, the shirts are starting to catch on,” he added. “People are bringing in their shirts, and students get to do it themselves, which is fun. In that way, it generates awareness, which we’re always after.”
For Jimbo Lawry, the opportunity to have a shirt printed was a fun addition to this year’s campaign. “It’s a great idea for putting an old t-shirt to new use and for spreading a good message,” the senior said.
But time is tight. You have one day left. To print your own shirt, see Mr. Mooney in Room 223 for more information. Collections for the project continue through the end of the day tomorrow. Donate in participating classes, or give directly to Mr. Mooney.
