There was no shortage of volunteers lining up to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation at Port Macquarie High School last week.
Students were prepared to donate a gold coin to participate as an audience.
The Deputy Principal, Darryl Mason, was the first volunteer to say goodbye to his lovely locks made slightly grey by many years of dealing with students.
Encouraged by the applause for Mr Mason, others stepped on the stage of the school’s Multi Purpose Centre to be shorn.
These included Dylan Bruen, Brent Kars and Jack Busby who were also applauded for their generous sacrifice.
The biggest cheer of all was reserved for Year 12 student Morgan Wattus who, until now, had taken great pride in his well groomed, long hair.
Morgan’s hair was last trimmed in 2008.
Morgan received a rock star-like reception when he stepped up and stood to thunderous applause when Sinead Benjamin carefully completed the lengthy procedure of removing Morgan’s braided locks one by one and finishing with removing most of his beard.
The whole event, which was conducted by the Student Representative Council (SRC), was Morgan’s idea.
Sinead Benjamin, who works at Milan’s Hairdressing at Wauchope, volunteered her time to make sure all the participants were given professional treatment.
The rock concert atmosphere was added to by musicians Taylor Young and Michael Hambly who were accompanied by music teacher Stewart Heddles.
Together they performed some lively tunes.
Ben Robinson, who has been recognised recently for his music compositions, gave a solo performance.
Matt Baker and Josh Dwyer kept people smiling with their MC efforts.
$500 was raised from the barbecue and door entry and a further $500+ is pledged in sponsorship to the individual participants.
All the money will go to leukaemia research and patient care.
This was the first of many fundraising activities planned by the school for this year.
