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St. Barnabas student Patrick McNamara, brother of freshman Connor McNamara, participates in the St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser by shaving President/Principal Fr. Carl J. Markelz’s head as Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart looks on at Mount Carmel High School on Wednesday, March 5.  McNamara was a special guest of the school as Mount Carmel High School students and staff raised more than $21,000 to donate to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Mount Carmel Students and Faculty Break the Bank on

St. Baldrick's Day

 

On Wednesday, March 5, the Mount Carmel High School Community celebrated St. Baldrick’s Day.  137 students, eight faculty members, and three Carmelites shaved their heads and raised over $21,000 for children’s cancer research.  Fox News and Patrick Elwood covered the event.

Student Council Moderator, Mr. Brendan Bedell, senior Jake Fraher and Beverly resident, junior Matt Grant, organized the event.

The Mount Carmel community was blessed with the presence of two guests.  Cook County Sheriff and 1980 graduate, Tom Dart was on hand to participate, and Beverly resident, ten-year-old Patrick McNamara, who has been battling cancer since he was two, participated in the assembly and got in on the action to rid President/Principal Fr. Carl J. Markelz, O. Carm. of his hair.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to come together and be part of something bigger than themselves.  Our students and staff really stepped up today.  Patrick McNamara, brother of freshman Connor McNamara, who has been fighting cancer for many years, was able to come and be a part of the assembly, and it was so nice to see him participate and have fun,” stated Bedell.

St. Baldrick’s Day took place in the middle of the spring Spirit Week, as the school community participated in a number of events designed to promote community and school spirit. 

On Monday, March 3, the intramural dodge ball championship was held, and the senior class kept control of the coveted championship trophy.  The intramural basketball championship was held on Tuesday, and once again the senior class took home the crown.  Thursday built on the 108-year tradition that exists at Mount Carmel, as the junior class participated in a Mass to receive and bless their class rings. 

On Friday the whole school participated in the Just Because Games, a not-so-serious take on the Olympics.

The Just Because Games are the brainchild of the Student Council from the class of 2005 and Dean of Students, Padre Benjamin Aguilar.  The spring Spirit Week is meant to complement the Spirit Week in the fall, which revolves around the homecoming football game, and provides the school community with a renewed sense of family, friendship, school spirit, and fun.