Suffolk Reporter

Members of the William Floyd community gathered to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity focused on childhood cancer research, by participating in the "Brave the Shave" event at William Floyd Elementary School. This marked the second consecutive year for this initiative. Administrators, faculty, staff, and students volunteered to shave their heads to raise funds for the foundation.

The event also offered elementary school students opportunities to dye their hair green or get green-themed hair extensions and braids as a show of solidarity. The activities were facilitated by students from William Floyd High School's Barbering Academy under Ms. Cara Cliffe and junior cosmetology class under Ms. Brittany Antici.

Several volunteers from outside the school district participated, including members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Among them was Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr., who had a shamrock painted on his head as a gesture of support. Sheriff Toulon acknowledged Rayna, a young girl battling pediatric cancer and daughter of a faculty member, with his monthly Community Leadership Award for her bravery.

Rayna shared her experience with attendees alongside her sister to raise awareness about childhood cancer and express gratitude for their support. Dr. Rina Meyer from Stony Brook Medicine’s Cancer Center also attended to provide expert insights into pediatric oncology.

The event successfully raised nearly $2,000 through volunteer participation in head shaving, t-shirt sales, and online donations for St. Baldrick’s Foundation.