STRATFORD—St. Mark School in Stratford, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, recently “turned their blue ribbons pink” in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year marked the 10th year the school has hosted a cut-a-thon and invited a hair salon to help promote their cause.
Stylists from CKC Salon in Fairfield set up a mini-salon in the school gym. Three girls cut their hair and three boys shaved their heads to promote cancer awareness. Forty-five girls purchased pink hair extensions and the entire school community dressed in pink and rallied together in the fight against cancer.
This year, $1,557 was raised for the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport and over $21,000 was collected in the last ten years.
Lyn McCarthy, executive director of the SWIM Foundation, attended the cut-a-thon to show her gratitude to the school community. She remarked, “Each year I look forward to getting the invitation to the St. Mark Cut-A-Thon. It is so inspiring to witness children making a real difference against cancer!” Motivated by the students, McCarthy vowed to cut her hair at next year’s cut-a-thon.
St. Mark Principal Melissa Warner commented that October is an important time of the year for community service as the school also hosted a Halloween costume drive and a Zappos Soles4Souls shoe drive. Students collected 25 Halloween costumes for Sterling House Community Center in Stratford and 415 pairs of shoes to be distributed to the impoverished across the United States and to countries around the world.
Mrs. Warner commented, “I am so impressed by the active involvement and generosity of our school community. Our faculty, students, and families understand that the joyful ministry of service can be a measurable benefit to both the people who are being helped and the helpers.”
