Wenatchee High School Students and staff grow out their hair to participate in No-Shave November.

The purpose of No-Shave November is to raise cancer awareness by growing out hair, which many cancer patients lose during treatment. Participants are encouraged to donate the money they save from razors and shaving cream to help educate people about cancer prevention and aid those fighting against cancer.

“I just love having a beard and I can grow a pretty good one, so why not?” senior Jakob Stoll said, “It’s a good way to bring attention to the issue.”

“I’ve never been able to grow a beard, so I wanted to try this year,” said senior Marco Granados. “I think it’s a good way to support [the fight against] prostate cancer because the masculinity of a man in his facial hair.”

Some students have other reasons for participating. “I’ve never done it before and it’s my senior year and I want to do everything I can,” senior Tommy Higley said. “It’s not bad. It’s fun to stroke while I’m thinking.”

“It’s more for the spirit and fun of it,” Dean of Students Mike Franza said. “When I came here two years ago, I’d never heard of it. It seems like last year and two years ago there were a lot more senior boys who wanted to do it; it doesn’t seem like there are a lot doing it now.”

For the rest of the month people will be embracing their hair and spreading cancer awareness by letting it grow. On the last day of November, WHS participants will gather on the front steps and take a group picture.