MHS's Mustache March by Matt Lieberson

Marblehead High School sees a lot of fundraisers. Many MHS organizations sell festive items in the cafeteria, while others hold events, such as dances. But never before has Marblehead High, or even the entire town of Marblehead, seen a fundraiser like the one that Student Government is putting on this month-Mustache March.

Yep, Mustache March. This idea is the brainchild of MHS math teacher Mr. Giardi, who did a similar thing back at Salem High School. The way it works is that MHS teachers and seniors team up in groups of 4. Collectively, all 4 must grow mustaches. Throughout the month, students will be able to donate money to the team who they think have the best (or worst) mustaches. There are eliminations each week, and the team who has the most money at the end of the week wins. They get to donate half of the overall earnings to the charity of their choosing, and they become Monarchs of the Mustache. The other half of the money goes to the Team Z Cancer Walk that Student Government does with the North Shore Medical Center Cancer Walk each year.

One of the co-presidents of Student Government, Jen Taranto, is extremely excited for this event.  “This should be one of the most amusing fundraisers that the school has seen!” Taranto said. “Hopefully it raises a lot of money for a great cause.” Taranto, along with me and the rest of Student Government, worked hard to put this event on. Student Government initially thought the idea was a joke. But when the group thought about it, it became an extremely fun idea to run with.

Of course, the event would be nothing without the mustaches. Many teachers are slated to participate, including Mr. Giardi. Giardi has a team of himself and other football coaches who are on the Mr. Venezia, who already sports a killer mustache, would have to shave his mustache off and restart to participate. Though a valiant effort was made, Mr. McLean was not convinced to shave his trademark beard to participate. When asked why not, McLean responded, “I’ve had this beard for 10 years. I’m not even sure if I have a chin anymore.” From the seniors, Oliver Gregory is excited to make his first attempt at a mustache. Gregory was known for his beard at the end of football season, so the mustache could get interesting. But Taranto’s favorites to win? “It has to be the girls.” Yes, girls. There is actually a group of girls who plan to wear fake mustaches all month, which is extremely impressive if they can keep it up.

The facial-haired festivities about to hit the high school are unprecedented. The amount of scruff that will be seen hasn’t been present since No-Shave November.

And to all those participating-handlebars are encouraged.