Teacher to give long Locks for Love
Published: June 4, 2005
After managing to avoid scissors for the past few years, a local teacher has decided that a much-needed haircut could be used to benefit those in need.
Starting as a friendly bet a few years back, Eric Constantineau, an English teacher at Timberlane High School, recently made the decision to donate his excess hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization. It’s an experience that Constantineau said could add to the overall theme that he conveys to his students.
“My teaching style is to teach things out of the book,” said Constantineau, “and to teach about the world.”
The organization, which has recently been made famous by Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon, provides pieces of hair to children who suffer from medical hair loss. Though Constantineau said he intended to participate before Damon’s donation, he was happy to see that baseball players were actively contributing to the outside community.
His message extended far beyond charitable contribution, as Constantineau said he is able to teach students a few valuable lessons through this experience. In an age that emphasizes physical appearance, he said, by altering his hairstyle, students are able to learn about inner confidence and how physical appearance has little value to individual character.
In his recent charitable efforts, Constantineau said he was happy to see students participate and help in anyway possible. He said that many of his students have donated money as part of a collection that he started with his classes and will be given to the American Cancer Society. In reference to helping find a cure, he said, “I think right now we are so close.”
His upcoming hairstyle hasn’t come without schoolwide attention, as Constantineau said that his students are anxious to see their teacher with a shorter cut. And as Johnny Damon drew references to biblical figures, Constantineau said he has heard similar comparisons in the high school’s halls.
Though the early wager began with a fellow teacher, the other parties have dropped out of the running, said Constantineau. But according to Amici Hair, the salon that will be doing the charitable trimming, a few others have made appointments to participate in the event. Constantineau’s wife, Abigail, will be taking part in the clipping at a later date.
Located at 151 Main St., Amici Hair is offering free haircuts for those with at least 10 inches of hair to donate and the opportunity to sit alongside Constantineau as he makes his charitable contribution. The event is June 4 and free cuts will take place from 9 a.m. to noon p.m. The salon encourages appointments to be made ahead of time by calling 382-0586.
With hopes to involve his students and peers in an effort to help those in need, Constantineau was witness to a school that joined to reach out to the community.
“I think what’s great about Timberlane is the rapport that we have with each other.”
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