On March 14, Mount Carmel participated in the annual St. Baldrick’s celebration. This event has taken place during the week of St. Patrick’s Day for the last 13 years. Students and faculty seek financial sponsors to support them for shaving their heads, and the donations are contributed to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for pediatric cancer research.

This year, a record breaking 61 students and faculty participated in having their heads shaved, while the rest of the student body cheered them on.  This year’s special guest was Bo Dowling, younger brother of senior Kevin Dowling, who has been undergoing treatment for a rare cancer for over two years.  Three-year old Bo’s enthusiastic participation in the event was an inspiration to many.

While many students and faculty students had their heads shaved, others participated in frenzied bidding to “pie” a teacher of their choice.  Mr. Brooks Nevrly, Mr. Dominic Villa, Mr. Jordan Lynch, and Mr. Anthony Massino were amongthe faculty who volunteered to participate in the auction, which raised additional funds for this great cause.

The program also included recognition for Mount Carmel’s winter sports teams as they recently concluded their seasons.  Basketball, bowling, hockey, swimming, and wrestling all were commended on their successful seasons.

The assembly concluded with a heart-felt tribute to former MC Theology teacher Kevin Hansen, who died in the Spring of 2015.  Through his own annual participation, and the enthusiastic manner by which he encouraged others’ support, Hansen was the “face” of St. Baldrick’s at Mount Carmel for many years.

When all the donations were counted, Mount Carmel and its many supporters had raised roughly $20,000 for pediatric cancer research, a legacy that is well worth continuing.