Sachem North's Weston Goes Bald-rick's

Some students must have been surprised when Jon Weston walked into class Monday March 15. Three days earlier, the English and journalism teacher at Sachem High School North had a full head of hair.

For those he didn't tell, Weston, like thousands of people across the country, had his hair cut in honor of The St. Baldrick's Foundation, which helps raise funding for childhood cancer research.

"It's all about raising money," Weston said before his locks were let go. "It's in solidarity with kids who have lost their hair because of cancer. For a long time I've wanted to do something that gives back. This is something I feel strongly about. It's nice to be able to raise awareness for childhood cancer."

Weston, 24, had his hair cut in honor of Matt Donnelly, who is suffering from leukemia. He is the son of Jennifer Ogozalek-Donnelly, a co-worker of Weston's.

"I've seen how strong she is and know how strong her son is. It's nice to do this in honor of someone," said Weston, who had his hair cut at Dominican College in Orangeburg, N.Y.

Ogozalek-Donnelly is elated that Weston would think of Matt this way.

"Jon is an amazing person and teacher," she said. "He is dedicated to making a difference and raising awareness for childhood cancer. Jon has helped to raise awareness about St. Baldrick's and the purpose it serves. It's beautiful."

Along with his cousins Kyle and Matt Younghans and Mike Bolingbroke and friend Dan Hodge, Weston, who sported a green shirt that read "No excuses: play like a champion" during the event, raised $1,245. The entire team raised $4,754.