Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School came together for a memorable St. Baldrick’s assembly, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the fight against childhood cancer. With the collective efforts of students, teachers, and community members, the event raised over $6,500 in donations.
The assembly was a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, made particularly poignant by the presence of one Port Jefferson student who is a courageous cancer survivor. Their inspiring story served as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of supporting research and initiatives to conquer pediatric cancer. After successfully fighting cancer at the age of 7, Kyle Martin was determined to ensure that no other child would have to endure what he had gone through. In 2022, he proposed an idea to Principal Ruggero that he wanted to give back by starting an annual St. Baldrick’s Day. From that day on, each year, Port Jefferson raises money to fund research to cure cancer.
In a show of unity and support, Long Island Beauty School students volunteered their skills to adorn participants with vibrant green hair extensions, adding a colorful flair to the event. Additionally, selected students and staff members demonstrated their solidarity by shaving their heads, symbolizing their dedication to the cause. The funds raised during the assembly will be directed toward the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.
Among the “shavees was Jonathan Maletta, AP science teacher and STEM advisor, who played a pivotal role in raising funds to support research efforts aimed at combating children’s cancer. Mr. Maletta’s dedication extended beyond fundraising, as he also managed a series of advanced education programs, enabling students to participate in STEM/STEAM enrichment programs at Stony Brook University.
One such program, titled Cancer Biology-Exploring if Phytochemicals Can Inhibit Cancer Cell Viability and Growth, provided Port Jefferson school students with a unique opportunity to work with isolated lung cancer tissue under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Moloney, Ph.D. This hands-on experience allowed students to delve into the complexities of cancer research and contribute to ongoing efforts to find effective treatments.