Kenyon Woods English teacher Jamie Reyes laughed nervously as her long dark locks of hair fell to the floor in clumps.

Once the razor made its first path over her head, there was no turning back. But she had hundreds of cheering middle school students to encourage her through the rest. (Photos: School raises thousands for pediatric cancer research)

Reyes was one of about 15 teachers and students at the South Elgin school who shaved their heads during the school’s third annual St. Baldrick’s event to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

“I couldn’t give money, so this is what I do,” Reyes told the wide-eyed students watching her hair hit the ground. “It’s only hair. It will grow back.”

When the deed was done, she quickly was rewarded with a hug from Tracy and Alice Moriarty.

Alice, 2, the niece of Kenyon Woods science teacher Shauna McNally, suffers from leukemia and made the cause all the more real for students and teachers alike.

“It’s amazing because the money for the research they do is why she has a 90 percent chance of making it,” said her mother, Tracy Moriarty. “They’re helping so many kids today.”

Roughly 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, according to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

In all, the school raised just over $6,805. The money came from donations solicited by those whose heads were shaved as well as raffle ticket sales.

“It’s all about kids doing community service. … Everybody could contribute and be a part of it. They did a wonderful job,” said science teacher John Chase, who organized the event.

While most of those braving the razor were men, 12-year-old Eymi Reyes joined them. She allowed her long ponytail to be lopped off during the assembly, leaving the rest of her hair to dangle just below her ears.

“Whatever I can do to help cure kids with cancer … is OK with me,” she said.

Several lucky raffle winners got to take a razor in hand and go to work on their teachers with a little help from Streamwood salon New Horizons.

Lauren Thorson, 13, shaved art teacher Andy Kerwin’s head, then watched as another student shaved his beard.

“It felt weird, but it’s fun,” Thorson said.

English teacher Mike Basich got his first-ever short style, courtesy of Bobby McAuliff, 14.

“Anything for the kids,” he said. “It gets them involved, participating and part of the community.” And as for Bobby, “It’s not bleeding as far as I know so his grade stays the same,” the teacher said.

Some raffle winners wielded pies instead of razors. Principal Sue Welu took pies to the face from half a dozen students and even one of her employees as part of the grand finale.

For more information about St. Baldrick’s or to make a donation visit www.stbaldricks.org/