A student-funded buzz cut: Peninsula High School's principal has head shaved

Scatena's new spring do was the fulfillment of a promise to students. Recently, the school's leadership class decided to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through its Pennies for Patients Program. The goal was to raise $1,500 -- a stretch, admittedly, by students that was surpassed. When all the pennies were counted, students raised $1,692.50.

"The program brought our school closer together," said student body president Summer Wahab. "The students felt empowered by the fact that even if they can only donate a couple pennies, they are still able to help make a difference in the world. They were also surprised by how unified the school became and how much money the school was able to raise."

Bringing the school together has been a challenge. Peninsula's population is often changing. Even Wahab said she was previously more concerned with her own troubles. Through leadership, her outlook has changed to care more about all students, she said Friday.

Student body secretary Jasmine Hernandez, 16, said the goal was to help motivate students wherever possible. Student body vice president Maria Nuno, a junior, said adding the element of possibly shaving the principal's head was the payoff students needed.

The student leaders had worked with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to create a team plan. Smaller goals were set along the way. At $300, the principal would shave his hair into a mohawk for a day; at $500, Scatena would dress like a student for a day; and at $1,500, he would shave his head. Scatena had agreed on the caveat that his wife -- who has cut his hair for many years -- would do the honors.

Nuno said many students were surprised at the accomplishment. Raising the funds, she said, is a wonderful sign to the community that although the school often gets a bad rap, students can make a positive difference.

Scatena was happy with the results. At Peninsula, the goal in recent years has been to help students build an academic identity and explore college and career paths, he said. A part of that is embracing leadership, which this exercise did for many students.

While students were excited to see Scatena's locks fall, many were also disappointed when it was all over.

"It doesn't even look bad," one student leaving lunch said of the haircut.

heather@smdailyjournal.com

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