After surviving eye cancer, Vescelus Matthias, an early childhood student at Stony Creek Elementary School, is one of five ambassadors for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.
To raise awareness of childhood cancers, Stony Creek Principal Heidi Karst said the school set a goal to raise $1,000. After two weeks of collecting donations, the Mustangs raised $2,421.25.
“I’m impressed with this school. You guys raised a lot of money,” Katie Vescelus, Matthias’ mother, said. “Nothing is cooler than kids helping other kids. You guys did a great job.”
During a school-wide assembly announcing the total amount, students also received another treat as Noblesville School Board member Pat Berghoff allowed three students to shave his head.
“I’ve never had my head shaved before,” he said. “Hair grows back and doesn’t change who you are.”
“I’ve never seen his hair that short,” Berghoff’s wife, Cathy, said.
Berghoff, a vice president at First Merchants Bank, also presented St. Baldrick’s with a $1,160 check from First Merchants employees and a $3,000 donation from the bank.
“It’s amazing how much you were able to accomplish,” he told the students. “A little effect goes a long way.”
Second-grade student Kellen Ahlstrom removes the first swipe of Pat Berghoff’s hair.
Stony Creek Principal Heidi Karst gives School Board Member Pat Berghoff a congratulatory handshake after receiving his new haircut.
