It was a hair —and fund-raising evening at Mepham High School on March 20 as the Central High School District hosted its annual Chop Your Lock's for Charity event to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Various participants raised nearly than $50,000 and counting as they voluntarily lost their locks, often at the hands of teachers and administrators. 

Guests appearances and performances included the 501st Legion, a “Star Wars” cosplay organization that attends charitable events, the Amityville Highland Pipe Band and Irish step dancing from The Schade Academy.

The Mepham Skull & Bones Drama Club treated guests to an appearance from their upcoming production, “Freaky Friday” and the Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting crew were on hand to document the evening’s success. 

The evening was put together by Mepham’s Participation in Government students, who were led by social studies teachers/ St. Baldrick's co-coordinators Kerry Dennis and Chris Patten. 

“Our Participation in Government and Leadership students were so enthusiastic and spirited throughout their collaboration with the district and community in order to make the evening such a success,” said Dennis.

Since 2008, this annual event has raised more than $330,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which funds research for childhood cancers.