District Stories

St. Baldrick's 2024

Written by Liz DeMonte | Mar 7, 2024 3:57:12 PM

In its 18th year, Walt Whitman’s Robotics club continues to rise to the occasion as they raise donations for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Starting as a high school club fundraiser in 2007, Robotics has expanded their outreach from Walt Whitman participants to district-wide involvement, encouraging the community to work together to conquer childhood cancers.

 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization besides the U.S. government. Since the fruition of this annual event, Whitman’s Robotics club has raised well over $700,000, and this year, we were fortunate to add more than $20,000! Everyone involved helps give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s charity event so successful!

 

We appreciate everyone who donated, fundraised and came down to the high school for a fresh shave. Thank you to Mr. Rogers and Mr. Pineda for organizing another successful event and to everyone who donated and shaved in support of this wonderful cause. A big thank you goes out to Ilker Yesil from Dua Hair in Melville, and stylists from Illuzienz and from 110 Barber Shop for donating their time to cut, shave, and keep the event – and our participants’ heads – running smoothly!

 

Photo Gallery

WWHS Senior Rosalia Campo was one of a number of girls to join the cause by shaving and donating their hair. 

 

Students had their turn with the buzzer on their favorite teachers!

 

Teacher and Robocats advisor, Jaime Rogers (left), honors participants who have been going bald for a good cause at St. Baldrick's. With Mr. Rogers is WWHS graduate and newly knighted Thomas Palladino, ready to have his head shaved for the 7th year in a row.

 

Senior Peyton Galgano was dubbed 'Squire'  by Mr. Rogers for entering his 3rd year as a St. Baldrick's participant. 

 

Friends giving friends haircuts for a good cause!

 

After another year having his head shaved, Principal of WWHS Dr. John Murphy is recognized as Knight Commander by the event organizer.

 

Team MapleBirch, composed of students and teachers from both Maplewood and Birchwood, was awarded a special trophy for being this year’s highest donating group. 

 

Thank you to Ilker Yesil from Dua Hair in Melville for stepping in at the last minute to help cut some hair for this year’s event!