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Plainfield East High School organized a noteworthy fundraiser for childhood cancer research, under the auspices of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The event took place during halftime at the school's annual staff versus student basketball game on March 20, 2025, collecting over $5,000.
Assistant Athletic Director Anthony Waznonis and staff member Samuel Jackson orchestrated the event. "It is important for us to remember kids who have had cancer as children," Waznonis commented. He also mentioned that Addison Haughian, a senior basketball player at the school, had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a child. "Addison beat the cancer and is thriving and is about to graduate from Plainfield East," Waznonis added.
Waznonis expressed that the event served as a meaningful exercise in cultivating empathy and raising awareness about childhood cancer. Jackson, in his first year as an event organizer but seventh year supporting the St. Baldrick's fundraiser, reflected, "I think that it's important for staff and students to be involved in this fundraiser because it's an incredible way to aid one of the USA's most vulnerable populations - children (and their families) who are suffering from cancer."
Looking forward, the school intends to increase student involvement in the event next year. Several staff members, including Waznonis, Jackson, Dave Jackson, Ryan Ferrin, and Angela Powell, participated by shaving their heads. The Barber Cave contributed by providing their services without charge.
