GRMS Staff Sport "Ugly Beards"

Hair for Haiti ~ “The Ugly Beard Contest” ~ by: R. Anderson

The Gardiner Regional Middle School community has been long known for its generosity, as well as lending support to those in need. This past February proved to be a perfect example of this spirit.

The staff and students alike were made aware of the total devastation in Haiti by the 8.5 earthquake that struck near Port Au Prince. Students raised money in support of Haiti’s efforts to save lives and rebuild what little they had left. The school sold “Hearts for Haiti”, a Valentines Day gift of Hershey’s Kisses, and collected money on Hat Day. However, one of the more odd ways that G.R.M.S. raised funds was through a revival of an old school fundraiser known to the veteran teachers as “The Ugly Beard Contest”...a.k.a....”Hair for Haiti”.

Fourteen male staff members participated in this event. Leading by example was G.R.M.S.’s own Principal, Todd Sanders. Each individual had their photo taken by Ms. Goodhue on the first day of the event. This photo was taped to their own collection jar and placed on a table with all the other mens’ jars during student lunches, thanks to Ms. McNally.. Students were asked to donate change to the jar belonging to the individual that they felt would have the ugliest beard. The person with the most donations in the end would be the winner of this illustrious title. The photos were updated several times during a three week period, in order to show students the “hairy changes”. Students were also graced with the presence of these scruffy and scraggly men as they passed them in hallways and watched them teach classes. As the fuzz crept down their necks and into their eyes, the contestants stuck to their pledge and did not shave!

The Hair for Haiti efforts raised over $365.00 in a short time. This will be matched 100% by the generous offerings of the Cole’s Transportation Museum.

As for the winners.... Mr. Cassidy came out ahead, a very hairy ahead, with the ugliest beard of all. Mr. Avery’s fuzzy face captured a second place win, while Mr. Anderson’s wooly scarf produced a third place showing. As for our fearless leader, Mr. Sanders.....well lets just say that no one dared to put much money in the principal’s jar. He remained unscathed and free from any “ugly” title.