This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Shaved Heads and Smiling Faces

St. Baldrick's charity carnival a big success at Grayslake Central.

The Public Service Practicum class at Grayslake Central High School had been working for months to put together a carnival of varied activities to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which battles against childhood cancer.

"I could not sleep at all this week because I was so worried about whether or not this carnival would be successful," said senior Cassidy Obis, 18.

No need to worry. An estimated 1,000 people or more attended the event. The consensus among students, adults and families was that they would attend an event like this again. Everywhere you went in the high school you saw shaved heads and smiling faces.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event was conceived, arranged and brought to fruition by fewer than 20 students from the PSP class. All proceeds from the event go to The St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The PSP class is absorbing the rental costs of the inflatable items and rides so that more money can go directly to the charity.

"These kids are absolutely amazing. They worked so hard and so diligently to bring this all together and pull this off. I am in awe of their efforts. I didn't think it would be big draw, but I have never been so happy to be so wrong," said Dustin Chierico, PSP instructor.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kay Silva, an art teacher who worked for many years in a hair salon before her career as an educator, was kept so busy shaving heads (over 40 by her count) that her clippers were becoming quite warm to the touch. The mound of hair on the floor was a testament to the giving spirit of the students and community all in the interests of finding a cure for childhood cancers.

The head shaving was a huge part of this event. Symbolizing empathy and unity with cancer patients who lose their hair from treatment, it also became a sign of unity in the school and amongst friends.

Both of Emily Perkowitiz’s parents have shaved heads, so Emily bravely sat down in the barber’s chair and had her bright blue locks shorn from her head. Sometimes a person’s true beauty can’t be seen until their head is shaved. The eyes take on much more prominence as the proverbial windows to the soul.

Mike and Sherry Perkowitz, whose two daughters – Emily and Rachel - attend Central High School, were absolutely astounded by the success of the event. "We would definitely come back here for this next year for whatever charity the students will be supporting. This was a very fun time."

The Dance Crew performed, and professional hypnotist Paul Knight "Master of the Mind" performed to a packed annex combining his creative blend of comedy and hypnosis. Principal Syd Klocke found the performance to be outstanding. Associate Principal John Bolger agreed noting, "There were students pressed up against the windows at both doors watching! It was standing room only inside."

The student band of Exit2Enter blasted through a set of original songs and were selling copies of their CD to interested students. Led by Griffin Johnson (whose mom was one of the barbers graciously volunteering to shave heads), the band has a sound drenched in classic rock roots, that also fits in with current radio music.

The variety of activities available at the carnival ranged from the mechanical bull ride and surfboard simulator, to the pop-a-shot basketball game, to the X-Box Kinect, to the Potty Toss. Music was pumpin’ throughout the gaming hallways provided by a live DJ and the goldfish game was absolutely crazy all night long.

PSP member Hannah Isosaki said, "We had over 200 goldfish and thought we would have so many left over and they are almost completely gone."

Colin Bellwoar, 16, said, "This was an awesome time and I would definitely come back again next year. The Arnie Palmers (iced tea/lemonade) are great!"

"Lots of the games and activities were really awesome," said Faisal Quadri, 16. "I saw so many kids from the school here tonight having a great time. Best thing for me was The Bull."

Author's Note:  If you weren’t there on Saturday night, then you missed an unbelievable good time for a small price. This was fun for families with small kids, teenagers, and adults, too. I can’t tell you how hard I laughed watching groups of kids wail away at each other in the 4-person joust. Next year you do not want to miss this event. It will be a hot time on a cold night and you will see the youth of our community working and playing and doing it all for a charitable cause.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?