The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) chapter at Port Chester Middle School recently demonstrated the power of student leadership and service by raising more than $2,000 in support of Sun River Health.

As part of the fundraising effort, NJHS hosted a schoolwide “Brave the Shave” event after school in the main lobby. Seventh grader Samantha Allen, eighth grader Guilherme Policarpo, and PCMS math teacher Austin Boehm participated by getting their hair cut live, drawing support from classmates, staff, and even members of the boys’ basketball team. In addition, Samantha Allen, school nurse Lesley Torres, and senior office assistant Sue Pilke donated at least eight inches of hair to The Hair We Share, a nonprofit organization that provides custom hair pieces to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. The event was made possible with the generous support of professional stylist Robert Harrington of Mark Ryan Salon, who volunteered his time.

The multi-week fundraising campaign was organized by NJHS members and supported by families, staff, and the broader school community. All proceeds will benefit Sun River Health’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality health care to individuals and families in need.

“This was about more than fundraising,” said NJHS advisors Elaine Hernandez and Rebecca Peters. “Our students showed that they are leaders not only in the classroom, but in their community.”

Through this initiative, NJHS students brought their core values of service, leadership, and citizenship to life, proving that meaningful impact can begin at any age.