There’s more than style caught up in the mustaches of teachers and administrators at Derby High School.
There’s money.
Six staffers and two students will be growing mustaches over the next four weeks in an effort to raise money for Derby’s senior class.
The rules don’t benefit the fashion-conscious. The hair must be above the lip — no goatees, no beards.
Principal Fran Thompson may look like Rollie Fingers by April 13, the day they’re allowed to shave again.
Between now and then, photos of the men and their ‘staches will be posted each week in the school. Students and faculty will “vote” by donating money into jars. The person with the most cash “wins.”
There will be one overall winner, with bragging rights.
The participants include math teacher Franco Garzone, math teacher Ryan Adams, athletic director Joe Orazietti, assistant principal Greg Gaillard, Principal Fran Thompson, security guard Javier Lancaster, and “Team Hanson,” led Friday by student Jonathan Haydu and Mike MacGregor, representing teacher Deb Hanson.
Two more Derby students Dan Moran and Brandon Parlow, will also be participating.
The kickoff was Friday in the gym at Derby High School.
To start the contest, the participants had to start with a clean slate, naturally — so the group used razors to rid themselves of any accumulated facial hair.
It was a little traumatic for athletic director Joseph Orazietti. The last time he was clean shaved was back when Arsenio Hall was the hottest thing in late night television.
He took his time, like he was saying goodbye to an old friend.
“I shaved it years ago, and my daughter missed it,” Orazietti said.
Students are looking forward to donating.
“I think it’s very cool for the school environment,” said junior Stephanie Dytko, 16.
