South Elgin school raises thousands at St. Baldrick's event

Kenyon Woods Middle School students raised more than $12,000 during the school's seventh annual St. Baldrick's event Friday.

Over the years, the South Elgin school has raised more than $67,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting childhood cancer research.

"It is special to us as schoolwide community service because almost all of our lives are touched by cancer," said John Chase, Kenyon Woods science teacher who has coordinated the event since its beginning. "Our students have really demonstrated concern and compassion for kids who are fighting cancer."

Students and parents also surprised Chase, who is retiring at the end of this school year, with a plaque in his honor.

Participants collected pledges on behalf of more than 20 students, as well as staff members who voluntarily got their heads shaved Friday for the cause.

Organizers also sold $1 raffle tickets and the winning student got to shave the head of a staff member.

For more information, visit stbaldricks.org.