William Floyd Elementary School and the William Floyd High School Barbering and Cosmetology programs hosted their third annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation “Brave the Shave” event on Apr. 10, raising more than $4,000 to support childhood cancer research.
The event highlights the school district’s ongoing efforts to engage students and staff in charitable activities that benefit both local families and broader causes. Community members gathered in the elementary school library where high school barbering students shaved volunteers’ heads as a sign of solidarity with children fighting cancer.
Several administrators participated, including William Floyd Elementary principal Dr. Keith Fasciana and high school assistant principal Robert Felicetta, who agreed to have his head shaved after students surpassed a $2,000 fundraising goal. Students also had opportunities for green hair dye or braids provided by cosmetology students. The program featured remarks from Dr. Rina Meyer of Stony Brook Medicine’s Cancer Center about childhood cancer research and Rayna, a faculty member’s daughter now in remission from childhood cancer.
This year’s donation included $2,200 raised by selling merchandise through the barbering program, $650 from the elementary school itself, and over $1,300 in online donations from community members. Junior Gabe Rivera was recognized by St. Baldrick’s Foundation with an honorary medal for his individual contribution of $500.
The William Floyd School District has produced alumni recognized for contributions in scholarships, education leadership and community service according to the official website. The district operates ten schools—including a high school, an academy and several middle and elementary schools—and serves more than 9,400 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade according to its official website. It has earned accolades for its music program among top communities for music education as well as honors for its business department according to district sources.
According to its official website the district fosters collaboration among students, parents, educators and community members to promote student development across intellectual, emotional and physical areas within a supportive environment.
