LONDONDERRY — With many scissors poised and ready to cut 231 heads of hair, senior Kristen Malloy gave the 3-2-1 countdown while "Give Me Some Lovin'" blared from the speakers in Londonderry High School's gymnasium last Friday morning.
It was the school's annual Pantene Beautiful Lengths event, now in its sixth year.
For the first four years, the event was held during the sports winter pep rally. But last year, English teacher and event coordinator Steve Juster decided to give the haircutting its very own morning and also recognize other generous activity by calling it the Day of Giving.
Malloy, whose mother lost her battle to cancer, has donated hair for the last three years. This year, her hair was just not long enough. Her sister Kelsey, however, did participate.
There were many mothers, daughters, sisters and other family members who joined students and staff Friday.
"I love Londonderry High," said Gov. John Lynch, guest speaker at the event. "I don't think there is anything more noble than making a difference in the lives of someone else, and that's what you're doing here today. New Hampshire is very proud of its 'angels' at Londonderry High."
Juster coined the term "angels" for donors who give their hair to Pantene, which works with the Hair-U-Wear program to make wigs for cancer patients of all ages.
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BY THE NUMBERS
Inches required to donate: 8
Donors to date: 1,011
Inches donatedprior to 2012: 1,600
Hairstylists donating styling help: 17
