In honor of raising $21,500 for the “I’m 4 Eddie” campaign for Director of Enrollment Edward Maynard, social studies teacher Anthony Del Puppo and four male students’ heads were shaved after the Thanksgiving Prayer Service today, Nov. 25.

“It feels very cool, [as in] temperature cool,” Del Puppo said. “It’s like mint on my head.”

Maynard made the first cut, and Del Puppo’s former student Vince Salamone, class of ’08, and current senior Gabby Kropff continued the job.

According to Del Puppo, his wife was the one who first suggested that he shave his head. The initial goal for the “I’m 4 Eddie” campaign was $5,000, but Del Puppo agreed to shave his head if it raised $10,000. His hair has not been this short since 10th grade.

The four students, juniors Rob Flynn, Will Bolton, Kurt Rawlings and senior Christian Scott, also had their hair cut off. All of them have had long hair for over a year, some since middle and elementary school.

“We were willing to [cut it] for a good cause,” Rawlings, who had had long hair since eighth grade, said.

A student from each class who had bought an “I’m 4 Eddie” bracelet was chosen at random to shave the boys’ heads.

“It’s weird shaking my head,” Scott said. He had not had short hair since second grade.

Campus Ministers Gary Meyerl and Michelle Sullivan organized the Thanksgiving Prayer Service that preceded the head shavings.

“The best part [was that] we knew it was coming and we were still riveted,” Meyerl said. “I was so proud to be part of this community.”

Kathy Deaver is the Online Chief for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.