Homecoming under way, teachers shave heads

A last-minute twist in the competition forced five Carson High School teachers to shave their heads Thursday.

The original rules stipulated that the teacher who received the most donations would shave his head. However, student body officers tweaked the rules at the school's homecoming assembly: If each class would raise an additional $100, all five would shave their heads.

Welding teacher Charles Shirley argued he had the most hair to lose, but still urged students to donate to the fund-raiser to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"If you want to see the Jesse Ventura look, come up with the cash," he prodded during the assembly.

The students accepted the challenge and raised more than $400, bringing the total above $1,000.

Shirley said he was happy to help raise the money, but was less confident about his new hair-do.

"It feels so totally different," he said, rubbing his exposed cranium. "Man, I don't know. I have to wait until I get to a mirror to see what it looks like."

Other teachers who shaved their heads were Joe Thornburg, who received the most donations, Robert Chambers, Jeff Evans, Mike Popp and Fred Steinle,

Cindy Carroll, the student body treasurer and Make-A-Wish chairwoman, was pleased with the support of the students.

"It's so awesome," she said. "At first we didn't think we would make it, but at the last minute, we all pulled together and did it."

Candidates for homecoming king and queen were announced during the assembly.

As candidates marched two-by-two to the front of the gymnasium, personal information on each was read.

Students learned that Jack Brooks' ideal woman is "short, fat and full of back" and Antonio Quintana wants to grow up to be either a writer or a rodeo clown.

Candidates were selected by senior class members and the winners will be announced during half time of tonight's 7:30 football game.

The homecoming dance will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at the high school. Nick Shine, 17, can't wait.

"The girls all get dressed up and look pretty," he said. "I like hot babes."

And for seniors, there's extra sentiment attached.

"It's my last homecoming dance for high school," said Leslie Harris, 17. "I want to make it the best."

Candidates for homecoming king are Jon Hall, Frank Bleuss, Ryan Henry, Ricky Correlli, Antonio Quintana and Jack Brooks.

Homecoming queen hopefuls are Megan Petterson, Hilary Heller, Bethany Henry, Shannon Devereaux, Catarina Farrow and Candice Kloph.