In December, the razors and shaving cream will come back out of hiding, the funds collected will be distributed to a worthy cause, and one lucky faculty member from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School will have attained the coveted title of "Mr. Mustachio."
The highly popular "Mr. Mustachio" fundraiser has returned to R-FH after a four-year hiatus, and this year's collected funds are earmarked for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Rumson, Fair Haven and surrounding communities have been hit hard by the storm, which displaced almost 3,000 people throughout New Jersey.
To participate in the "Mr. Mustachio" contest, faculty members have skipped their usual shaving routines in order to grow an appealing or memorable mustache.
The official facial hair debut was held on Nov. 1. But, during the month of November, R-FH students voted for their favorite "growth" by placing donated funds in the classrooms of the participanting teachers. When the donations are tallied, the faculty member receiving the largest sum will be crowned "Mr. Mustachio".
In keeping with tradition, the competition promises to be fierce.
Contestants for "Mr. Mustachio 2012" and their Mustachio monikers are: from the Art Department, Zach "The Chevron" Wilson; from the Industrial Technology Department, Dino "The Horseshoe" Pagano; from the Science Department, Andrew "The Pencil" Hudson, Brad "The Handlebar" Margolis, Edward "The Walrus" Messinger and Jonathan "The Horseshoe" Pennetti; from the Social Studies Department, Darren "The Pyramidal" Beatty and Mike "The Chevron" Emmich; from the Special Services Department, Alex "The Speakeasy" Componile; and from the Guidance Department, Jason "The Painter's Brush" Lippart. Also joining in is Vice Principal Chris Lanzalotto sporting "The Horseshoe".
As a first-year teacher and the high school's character education advisor, Lippart felt strongly about resurrecting the event, as it is intended to benefit a worthy cause and lift students' spirits as well. He said he feels that the school spirit aspect is especially fitting during a trying time for the community, when smiles have been few and far between.
"I am happy to see the uncontrollable smirks that appear on the faces of students who are dealing with tremendous stress when they pass by an educator who is sporting an upper lip accoutrement," Lippart said. "I would like to extend my deepest thanks for the support of the school community and for the participation of educators who are willing to subject themselves to awkward stares in public in order to promote this fundraiser."
