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Wednesday, March 28, 2007 · Page 13 Julia Mallott, centre, stands with teacher Karen Jones and Brian Fortune, vice president of the local core council of the Canadian Cancer Society during a Gosfield North Central School assembly last week. Mallot started a fundraising campaign that raised $1,000 for cancer research and donated her hair to make wigs for patients. Student praised for selfless efforts BY DANIEL SCHWAB Shaving off her curly locks turned out to be a major fundraiser for Julia Mallott, who raised $1,006 for cancer research. The Gosfield North Central School Grade 8 student went door-to-door around her Cottam neigbourhood earlier this month seeking donations. Inspired by her older sister Samantha, who also raised funds and donated her hair for cancer in November, Julia said she felt happy and excited about raising the money that was presented to a representative of the Canadian Cancer Society during a school assembly last week. Brian Fortune, vice president of the local core council of the CCS, presented Julia with a certificate as a "small token of appreciation". "You should all be very proud of Julia," Fortune told the students. "It's a great example for all other youth and (the donation) will certainly go a long way. Every effort to provide funds for research helps." While having a hip hairstyle may be a high priority for some girls her age, Julia said it wasn't very hard for her to chop off her brown, curly locks. "I wasn't really a fan of my hair," she joked. "It was kind of thick and pouffy." When asked why she decided to start the fundraiser, Julia said, like many other families, she has lost someone to cancer. "My grandpa died from lung cancer three weeks after I was born," she said. "I never even got a chance to meet him." Julia's Grade 8 teacher Karen Jones commended the youngster for her efforts, noting that this wasn't the first selfless act she has undertaken. Last December, Julia donated 10 per cent of her earnings from working at Belleview Golf Club to the Windsor Downtown Mission. "I think Julia is just really accepting of everyone and very friendly," Jones said. During the assembly, Julia's mom Pauline was joined by the entire group of staff and students in applauding her daughter's work. "I think it really reflects what one person can do," Pauline said. Julia's hair will be used to make wigs for cancer patients. Holy Name CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 They emerged victorious in each of their matches and were crowned the winners of the tournament! Tournament MVP honours were presented to Justin M., the `Hustler Award' highlighted the efforts of Tino I., and Brady H. was the honoured recipient of the `Team Spirit Award'. Way to go, Hawks! Members of the Optimist Club visited HNS on March 22 to judge student finalists of the HNS Speech Competition. After several well-delivered displays, Ashley B. and Craig L. were chosen as finalists in the Optimist Oratorical Contest at the club level. These two student finalists will head to Ridgetown next weekend, where they will face other finalists in hopes of obtaining qualifying positions for the final competition in Wallaceburg. Winners in Wallaceburg will each receive a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of the Optimist Club. Good luck to our school finalists! A `special mention', is in order for HNS speech finalists Casslyn H. and PJ B. who participated in the Legion Public Royal Speaking Competition. Casslyn H. delivered a stellar performance, placing in the top ranks, as did PJ B. who received top honours with a first place finish! Following the Holy Name Invitational Junior Boys' Basketball Tournament, honours were presented to MVP Justin M., `Hustler' Tino I., and Team Spirit Award winner Brady H. 6 Talbot St. N. Essex Across from Southland Plaza Tel.: 519-776-8088