From Buncombe County Schools....

When students at Owen High School in the Swannanoa Valley learned that "Relay for Life" wouldn't be held at their school this year, they developed a plan to raise funds for cancer research anyway. The Owen HS student government held a "Relay Week" May 14-18, with a different fundraising event each day. To support the efforts of her highly motivated students, Principal Meg Turner told them that if they were able to raise $2000 by the end of the week, she would have her head shaved.

The fundraising efforts came down to the wire, but when a school club donated $500 to the cause late Friday, the $2,000 goal was reached, and Ms. Turner's fate was sealed. When asked whether she regretted her pledge, Turner said, "I've got the luxury of doing what I want with my hair, unlike those dealing with the consequences of cancer who have no choice. It's the least I can do to support Owen students in this admirable effort."

On Friday, May 25 at 12:30 p.m. in the Owen HS gymnasium, students on lunch break will bear witness to Principal Turner's commitment to a cause and her kids, when the mother of one of last week's event organizers shaves Turner's head. Summer may be cooler for Turner this year, but let's hope she remembers to wear sunscreen or a hat!