PVCS student rally for teacher aide
PVCS student rally for teacher aide
Stephanie West exchanges a hug with one of the volunteer barbers while student Jareth Horvath holds his shorn ponytail.
Stephanie West poses with student Sandy Ivett.
Recently retired Cook Manager Leslie Milliman has her hair shaved while staff applaud in support.
Stephanie West exchanges a hug with one of the volunteer barbers while student Jareth Horvath holds his shorn ponytail.
Stephanie West poses with student Sandy Ivett.
Recently retired Cook Manager Leslie Milliman has her hair shaved while staff applaud in support.
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SOUTH DAYTON -- Demonstrating that no member of their school family fights alone, 27 students and staff members at Pine Valley Jr/Sr High School gathered in the school gymnasium for an emotional show of support: shaving their heads and cutting their hair in solidarity with Stephanie West, a teacher aide who runs the 7-12 Mandatory Guided Study and In-School Suspension Room, currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
The movement began when a group of senior boys decided to shave their heads in solidarity with West following her diagnosis late last school year. Rooted in the district’s core value of “showing up” – demonstrating unity and supporting one another through every challenge – this gesture gained momentum. Classmates and staff joined in to turn the idea into a moving surprise rally for West, filling the gym bleachers, bedecked in pink, greeting her with homemade signs of support and thunderous applause.
With fight songs blaring over the gymnasium speakers, 27 participants took turns in the barber chair as volunteers Kelly Ebel and Chantel Powenski donated their time and expertise to shave and cut hair, sending a resounding message of love as Mrs. West continues her treatment.
“(She) is a remarkable individual who makes connections with all the students she encounters. We could not function as a school without her,” said Kourtney Almeida, Pine Valley Jr/Sr High School principal. “Several of our students volunteered to shave their heads in honor of Mrs. West. Their actions represent courage, kindness, compassion, and the power of standing beside someone when they need us most. Mrs. West, we want you to know that you are not fighting alone. You have an entire school community standing behind you, cheering you on, and supporting you every step of the way. To our students who shaved their heads, thank you for showing what it truly means to be part of the Panther family.”
The event coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.