[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-KuKRGfvaQ]

Adam Jones ’15
One year ago, myself and the other members of the Junior Class Council decided to test the spirit and strength of St. Edward High School. What we were proposing was a week, a week of reflection, commitment, humility, and solidarity. We decided to act on this proposition, having faith that our community and fellow students would respond to this call of unity.
Clips for Cancer began as a response to the story of “Big Mike” Orbany, Eagle Matt Orbany’s younger brother. “Big Mike” had been an inspiration to the St. Ed’s football team for some time, but we felt his story had not quite been heard loud enough. After talking amongst ourselves, and knowing how much St. Edward meant to Mike, we decided to show him how much Mike means to St. Edward. This week was not primarily meant to be a fundraiser, it was meant to show how an entire school community could stand up and show their support for one of their own. With only two weeks to prepare, we set out to plan this event in an effort to show the fortitude of the Eagles.
Teachers pledged their heads, students signed up in advance, and prayers and reflections were written. The week was set to go. Going in, we had no idea what kind of response there would be from the school. With only a week of advertising, and it being the first time the school had ever had an event such as this, we were not expecting much. What followed was nothing short of inspiring. Reflections and petitions were posted across the main hall, and over 250 students chose to shave their head. Almost $4,500 was donated, and it was matched by the Board of Directors for $9,000.
That was last year.
This year the Junior Class Council has planned an even better, more outreaching Clips for Cancer. They have put in far more time and foresight into this event in the hope that the school will respond in even greater droves than last year. The Junior Class does not deserve your participation however, anyone that has been affected by cancer does.
Clips for Cancer means so much more than a donation. While the fundraising is important in the long run, what really matters is the sign of solidarity. Shaving one’s head shows that one is willing to disregard their looks and personal vanity for the sake of others. It is a sacrifice, a sign of humility. We are lucky enough to have the choice of wearing our hair long or short, but those undergoing chemotherapy do not. Be humble, be unified, and stand in solidarity against the disease that has claimed so many loved ones. Forget about your own looks, and dedicate yourself to a much higher and worthier cause.