Photos by Teri Vance / Nevada AppealHannah Novak, right, explains to the student body that she and Lydia Lopez, left, will shave their heads if the community raises $3,000 for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation by Homecoming. They will both donate their hair to Locks of Love.
If you’re looking for Hannah Novak, you’ll likely hear, “She’s the one with the long blond hair.”But not for long. Novak, Carson High School’s student body historian, has offered up her golden locks as an incentive for the community to raise money for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. “I have a goal. No, let’s call it a challenge,” she told fellow students during the back-to-school assembly Friday morning. “I challenge CHS to raise $3,000 by homecoming week. That’s three weeks away. Like any good competition, there is a reward when senators are victorious.”Novak and friend Lydia Lopez, student body public relations officer, promised to shave their heads at the homecoming assembly if the challenge is met. “We will be doing this in solidarity with children battling cancer, and our hair will be donated to Locks of Love,” Novak said. She encouraged other students to consider donating theirs, as well, at a booth that will be set up at the bonfire.Novak introduced the fundraiser at the first I Love CHS assembly, aimed at boosting school spirit, where students learned cheers along with the school song.Novak presented the fundraiser as part of her senior project in which she will be raising money all year for the Cancer Foundation. She introduced classmate Faithann Hodorowicz, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 12. “When she was fighting cancer, heroes were all around her,” Novak said. “We have a chance to be there for children much like Faithann, and become the heroes of their story.”Novak said the decision to shave her head did not come easily. “It was really hard for me,” she said. “People tell me my hair is my best attribute. I’m known for it.”But, in the end, helping children in need won out. “This is my choice,” she said. “They don’t have a choice. This is the least I could do compared to everything else they have to go through.”You Can HelpSend donations for Hannah Novak’s fundraiser for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation to Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road, Carson City, NV 89701. To contact Novak, email her at hannahbanana9895@gmail.com or call (775) 434-8683.