Senior year in high school is extremely busy with deadlines, tests, prom, senior trips... Well, on top of all of that, a student in Canajoharie devoted herself entirely to someone else that she probably will never meet.
Ashlynn Johnson has spent the last 9 years growing out her hair so it can be donated to Wigs for Kids; a non-profit providing free wigs to children with medical-related hair loss.
The week after Memorial Day, fellow students filed into the high school auditorium to watch the snipping, a visual finale to almost a decade-long commitment for the high school senior.
"Doing something as little as growing your hair and donating it can help change someone's self-esteem when they're possibly dealing with one of the hardest parts of life." Ashlynn said to the assembly. "No child should feel like they're not beautiful."
Wigs for Kids will also get 35-hundred dollars in donation money which goes to offset the cost of making a wig, which can be very expensive.
Four braids were donated, each 18 inches long. And what's also incredible is it's not the first time Ashlynn has done this. She donated her hair 9 years ago, raising money for breast cancer, a disease her grandmother had passed away from.
"We're very proud of what she has done." Says mother, Darcie Mabie.
"(All the) aggravation of taking care of her hair, the hours in the shower, all the different hair products to keep it untangled. She has got such a big heart and cares about everybody." Says father, Bob Johnson.
Ashlynn's history teacher, Phil Horender, who helped her with this project, says she is a role model for other students.
"When I think of Ashlynn, aside from her character, I think of her hair. She has always had beautiful, blonde flowing hair. So, I think that's what most people associate with her. So, for her to willingly give that up and donate it to such a charitable cause, it's even more valuable than money, I think. It really represents her giving herself." He says.
If you'd like to learn more about Wigs for Kids, visit them on the web: www.wigsforkids.org