Plainfield East High School teachers and staff hosted a St. Baldrick’s Foundation head-shaving fundraiser at the high school on Thursday, March 20, 2025, raising over $5,000, for childhood cancer research.
The event was held during halftime at the annual staff vs. 
student basketball game.
PEHS assistant athletic director Anthony Waznonis and staff member Samuel Jackson organized the event.
“It is important for us to remember kids who have had cancer as children,” Waznonis said.
Waznonis said PEHS senior girls’ basketball player Addison Haughian was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a child.
“Addison beat the cancer and is thriving and is about to graduate from Plainfield East,” he said.
Waznonis believes the event is a wonderful way to cultivate empathy and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
This was Jackson’s seventh year supporting the 
St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, and his first year as an event organizer.
“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,” Jackson said.
The school would like to expand the event next year to include students as well.
The PEHS teachers and staff members who shaved their heads include Waznonis, Jackson, Dave Jackson, Ryan Ferrin, Angela Powell.
The Barber Cave donated their services 
to the event.