A Close Shave at Switzer Elementary Aids Local Family

Most calendars list the first month as January, but at Switzer Elementary, it was also known as “Manuary” because of the school’s unique - and hairy- Student Council fundraiser.

Teacher Damien Buckley sprouted the idea to enlist male staff members in a month-long beard-growing contest to raise donations for a family needing help with heat and electricity bills.  With assistance from other teachers and the students’ efforts and enthusiasm, the event grew - literally.

Student Council representatives decorated collection cans to hold donations from classmates and teachers. With parent permission, students stuffed the cans with loose change and in many cases, folding money, brought from home.

After 30 days, six classrooms that collected the most money won the right to pick not only their favorite bearded contestant, but the shave style each would receive at a school-wide assembly.

Riana and Jen Ura, stylists from Salon 25 on Shelby Road, volunteered to tame the men’s unruly facial fuzz into styles such as “Doc Holiday,” “Skinny Beard,” “Mutton Chops,” “Fu Manchu” and the ever popular “Freestyle.”

First place went to Mr. Buckley’s sixth graders, who ordered up Mutton Chops for their teacher.

Coming in second was David Weir’s fifth grade class, who chose the Doc Holiday look for him.

Finishing third were Cecelia Isabel’s sixth graders, who preferred a Skinny Beard for their contestant, teacher Marvin Stuehmer. (Afterward, some staff members thought Mr. Stuehmer resembled one of the Back Street Boys).

Coming in fourth was Stuehmer’s fourth grade class, who chose a Fu Manchu for teacher Jeff Aisthorpe.

Capturing the fifth spot were Cheryle Barrett’s third graders, who chose to give their principal Jacob Palmer a Doc Holiday, as well.

Cynthia Nicolai’s second graders wrapped up sixth place with the Freestyle for head custodian Robert Sabbe.

The effort resulted in donations tallying $1,035 including a $300 contribution from Semco Energy to help a less fortunate family stay warm this winter.

The six good sports even agreed to wear their new looks around school for a few more days. 

“Manuary was a heart-warming event for all," Palmer said. “We had lots of fun participating, but never lost sight of the purpose of helping others.”

Added Buckley: “my students took this fundraiser very personally. Some set New Year’s resolutions to donate to charity, and this was the kind of grass roots experience they had in mind. I’m already looking forward to ‘Manuary 2013’ and hoping for Handlebars."