On Friday, Oct. 26th, 2012 the St. Mary’s School gym in Aliso Viejo was a sea of pink at the third annual Cancer Awareness Assembly.  Encouraged by loud, enthusiastic cheers from fellow students and the school’s drumline, 42 students, teachers and parents took the stage to have their pony tails cut by at least 8 inches, having grown them for 2 years.  All their hair will be donated to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, which works with the American Cancer Society to make wigs for cancer patients.

“This year, we achieved an incredible 43 donations! At last year’s assembly, we had 16 donations, which was a huge step up from 4 in our first year. Our culture of service and giving back is incredibly strong at St. Mary’s, and each and every donor can be proud that they have made a positive difference to a cancer patient’s life,” said Dean of Students Jim Cox.  “Our community is so strong and supportive.  We already have students growing their hair for next year’s event.  We also have other student-led projects running at school to raise funds for different cancer charities.  Service is a way of life at our school, and we are continually impressed with our students’ caring and philanthropy.”

Parks Salon of Laguna Niguel were at the school to cut hair at the event, donating their time to the cause and to create new, shorter styles for each of the hair donors.

View the article published in the OC Register for more pictures.