Clips for Cancer

Steward’s 10th annual Clips for Cancer fundraiser, sponsored by the school’s Cancer Awareness Club, was filled with emotion, heart, and Spartan spirit. On February 21, twenty volunteers had their hair cut or their heads shaved onstage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre during Community Time. Funds raised during the event benefit ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and the donated locks were given to Planet Hair, which makes wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy. The Clips for Cancer event was featured in the February 21 broadcast on WRIC-TV8.

As the audience of students, faculty, staff, and participants' parents applauded and cheered, the soon-to-be shorn volunteers smiled as emcee (and Upper School Science Teacher) Eric Hopp encouraged the audience to donate. Upper School Mathematics Teacher and Cancer Awareness Club sponsor Jen Maitland, a cancer survivor, interviewed volunteers onstage and asked them what inspired them to participate. On a giant screen, a tally of the money raised was updated every few minutes, eliciting applause (and a flurry of even more donations). In all, nearly $4,000 was raised during the event!

Mrs. Maitland smiled broadly as she called Cheryl Tankersly, owner of Planet Hair, onstage to present her with nine bags of donated hair. Ms. Tankersly, visibly moved by Spartans’ generosity, thanked the Steward community for their kindness.  

Inspired by Love
Tripp Oliff ’32 (whose mother, Grade 5 Teacher Emily Oliff, grinned as she shaved his head), told the audience, “I’m doing this for my grandma.” Ian Joyner ’29, who underwent treatment for lymphoma in 2024, shared, “I am doing this [having my head shaved] because I’m a cancer survivor.” Ian was also featured in WRIC’s video.

Megan Welch ’31 had her long locks cut in memory of two people close to her heart.

“My great-uncle died from lung cancer, and he was like a second dad to me,” she said after the event. “I also lost my great-grandmother and suffered from serious grief. Clips for Cancer was a way to acknowledge how truly special they were to me.” Although she was a little nervous being onstage, Megan said, “It was almost magical, the feeling of lightness, like the stylist was releasing me from the weight of my hair. When she was halfway done, in my head I was thinking, ‘This is for you, Gup’ (my great-uncle). I felt so proud.” Of giving back, Megan added, “Sometimes reminding yourself how fortunate you are can open new doors to help others.”

The school’s first Cancer Awareness Club fundraiser took place in 2015 when Callen Smith ’20 spearheaded the event. Over the past three years alone, Steward has raised more than $18,000 to benefit ASK. Clips for Cancer is just one example of how Spartans engage in experiences that encourage empathy and inspired thinking.

“Each year, I am humbled by our community’s generosity,” said Mrs. Maitland. “When I look into the faces of our students and hear them share the ‘why’ behind their decision to participate in Clips for Cancer, I am deeply touched. This is one way our students help and support their friends and loved ones affected by cancer. Spartan spirit is unmatched, and I am grateful to the volunteers, donors, and club members for making this event so meaningful to so many.”  

The Mane Event
We are so proud of the following Spartans who had their hair cut: 

Middle School Science Teacher Claire Bailey, Stella Cole ’27, Kayla Galpern ’28, Hope Garnett ’28, Harper Heck ’30, Ellie Massino ’28, Emily Stefanick ’28, Annie Topich ’28, and Megan Welch ’31. And we’re filled with gratitude for our Spartans who had their heads shaved: Cooper Adams ’29, Tim Bagwell ’30, Parker Bowlin ’30, Joey Burmeister ’26, Burke Jennette ’26, Ian Joyner ’29, Eli Maitland ’27, Tripp Oliff ’32, Wyatt Roberts ’26, Ryan Tyndall ’25, and Barron Watts ’32. 

Snip, Snip, Hooray!
The Steward School is thankful for the professional stylists who shared their time and talent at the Clips for Cancer event: Courtney Brooks (of Courtney Brooks Salon) and Marissa Freeman (of Neon Oasis Salon). In addition, many thanks to teachers Claire Bailey, Crystal Hamlin, Eric Hopp, Emily Oliff, Danny Spiziri, and Julia Tompkins, who served as head shavers. 

The Cancer Awareness Club
The club, almost 30 members strong, meets twice a month and is led by Sadie Goldberg ’25 (president), Meg Harrison ’25 (vice president), Lucie Tindell ’25 (secretary), and Kaylyn Whiteside ’25 (treasurer). Sadie was also featured in WRIC’s video. In addition to Clips for Cancer, members raise funds through bake sales and by participating in 5K walks. These hardworking students will participate in the 20th annual ASK 5k & Fun Walk on May 3 at The Diamond. Come out and cheer them on! You’re also invited to support their efforts to raise money for ASK. Students interested in joining the Cancer Awareness Club may contact Mrs. Maitland.