Brunswick Upper School Boys Grow Beards to Benefit Greenwich Boys & Girls Club

     (Greenwich, CT – February 22, 2011) – On-stage at Brunswick Upper School’s Baker Theater, the “Bears with Beards” fundraiser on behalf of Greenwich Boys & Girls Club came to a shaggy conclusion. The Look du Jour was a combination Lumberjack and Sasquatch as students and faculty took to the runway sporting beards grown within the last three weeks. Participation was optional and all entrants paid $30. Students were issued a badge to wear on their sports coats identifying them as they endeavored their hirsute pursuit. The contest, which began in January 31 and culminated on February 22, awarded prizes for the best beard per grade.  Joining the unshaven were 12 faculty members up for some fun.

          “’Bears for Beards’ was an effort to beat the mid-winter doldrums, as well as give back to our community,” said Kristine Brennan, Upper School history teacher, Student Council advisor and event coordinator. Judges included faculty members Ann Arzeno (Spanish), Sarah Crawford (Italian and Latin), Valerie Fenton (library director and freshman dean), Kim Goodman (science), Poonam Gupta (mathematics and computer), Leslie Harris (Spanish), Alina Hoyos (Spanish), Jing Wang (Chinese) and Grace Warne (math). Staff members on the panel included Margot Beattie (director of records and scheduling), Connie DeVico (administrative assistant), Bess Hubbard (assistant to Headmaster Tom Philip) and Diana Sampanaro (athletics coordinator).

     “Bears with Beards” winners:

      Manliest Beard:

                       9^th grade - Hartel Smith

                      10^th grade - Ali Coopersmith

                      11^th grade - Tommy O'Malley

                      12th grade - John McGowan

      Best Faculty Beard: Eric Tillman (English teacher)

      Most Confucius Award: Brian Shepherd (visual arts and college guidance)

      Dr. Van Atta Award: Mike Hannigan (history teacher)

      Mr. Stolar Award: Billy Murphy (11^th grade)

      Sketchiest Beard Award: Sammy MacFarlane (12^th grade)

                “All of us at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich are thrilled and so appreciative of the generosity and creativity of the Brunswick Upper School family,” said Bob DeAngelo, Executive Director. “We enjoy a strong friendship with Brunswick and are grateful for your volunteer support throughout the year and of your efforts on our behalf. This donation will be used to make great moments for many children. I’ve seen a lot of creative ways to raise money, and this was really cool. Thank you … thank you!"

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 PHOTO CAPTION:

      Brunswick Upper School students and faculty were “Bears with Beards” in a fundraiser to benefit Greenwich Boys & Girls Club. Left to right:  Tommy O’Malley, Dylan Robbins and John McGowan.