Faith in Action: St. Mark School’s 17th Annual Cut-A-Thon Raises $3,900 for Breast Cancer Awareness

STRATFORD, CT — Pink hair extensions, courageous hair donations, and freshly shaved heads made Friday, October 16, 2026, a day to remember at St. Mark School. The school community raised $3,900 for the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. Vincent’s Medical Center during its 17th Annual Cut-A-Thon, continuing a cherished tradition of raising breast cancer awareness and supporting patients and families affected by cancer.

Living out its 2026–2027 school year theme, “Sent to Proclaim,” students and faculty put their faith into action through generous donations, participation in Pink Dress Down Day, and personal gestures of support. What began in 2009 as a decision to turn St. Mark’s signature Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence pink has grown into a powerful annual tradition of hope, compassion, and service.

This year’s fundraiser brings St. Mark School’s total contributions to more than $36,500 for the SWIM Center for Cancer Care since the tradition began in 2009. Every dollar raised through the event directly supports the center and its care for patients and families affected by cancer.

This year, six girls donated eight inches of their hair to Children With Hair Loss, while four boys shaved their heads in support of breast cancer awareness. Another 88 girls proudly sported pink hair extensions, transforming the school into a sea of pink.

Two faculty members also volunteered to shave their heads in support of the cause. Student Support Counselor Dan Guarini shared, “Watching our students give so generously of themselves really touched me and inspired me to take part. Their actions are a wonderful reminder that compassion is contagious and that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”

Stratford Mayor David Chess joined the event and issued a proclamation recognizing St. Mark’s commitment to breast cancer awareness. He praised the Cut-A-Thon as “a great example of what it means to be a community,” adding that students’ willingness to help others reflects “the core of who we are in Stratford and who we aspire to be.”

Special recognition goes to CKC Salon of Fairfield, which partnered with St. Mark for the ninth consecutive year, generously donating its time and talents to cut hair and apply pink extensions.

Together, the St. Mark School community continues to turn its blue ribbon pink, proclaiming its faith through acts of compassion, generosity, and service that make a lasting difference far beyond the school walls.

St. Mark School will host a Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Prospective families are invited to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and discover the St. Mark community. For more information, visit www.stmarkschool.org.