Arriving to his godson’s baptism in a suit and a two-inch beard, social studies teacher James Hoover smiled through his facial hair as he posed for a family photo shoot. Hoover was one of several teachers who participated in No-Shave November last year to support alumnus Teddy Shapiro (‘15), who was battling cancer.

“I would send [Shapiro] beard pictures occasionally to update him,” said Hoover. “He thought it was humorous. The goal was to try to put a smile on his face and to let him know that [the teachers] were thinking about him.”

Organizations have recently turned No-Shave November into fundraisers for cancer research and prevention, according to Monica Hill, director of development for the Matthew Hill Foundation, Inc. She said the nonprofit has raised almost two million dollars since 2013 through donations during their No-Shave November fundraiser.

“Not shaving during the month of November is a way to spread awareness because a lot of people are clean-shaven, or at least shaved down, so when they don’t [shave] for an entire month, people start to question them and start conversations,” Hill said.

Last year’s participation in No-Shave November was not for donations, Hoover said, but to show “solidarity” for Shapiro’s struggle. Hoover waited until spring break to shave his beard, when Shapiro returned to school.

“As it got into March the beard became ridiculous, and people would stop and ask how he was doing,” said Hoover. “[My beard] became a reminder for those people.”

Senior Noah Raven, who has participated in No-Shave November, said he knew the month was associated with cancer, but he did not grow a beard last November for the fundraiser. He said he does not think cancer awareness is the reason people grow out a beard in most cases.

“I can grow out a nice beard, that’s why [I don’t shave],” said Raven. “My dad can’t really grow a beard, but my brother and I can, so sometimes it can be like a little bit of mockery.”

Like other students, senior Clay Fisher grew out his beard last year not knowing No-Shave November can be for cancer awareness. Fisher said he grew his beard out until his mustache was making it too difficult to eat.

“I thought there was hair in my food 24/7, but it was just my mustache,” Fisher said.

Although Hill said growing a beard has recently become more of a trend among young adults, her organization is trying to reach more age groups about cancer awareness through social media.

“It’s tough especially at high school age because not everyone needs to shave anyway, and a lot of people now have beards all year long,” said Hill. “We’re trying to get everyone involved, so even if you’re someone who doesn’t need to shave you can still participate [with donations] and make it a fun thing.”

To reach its goal of raising two million dollars this year, Hill said the Matthew Hill Foundation, Inc. is teaming up with a merchandise company to extend its message.

“We have a retailer that will be selling No-Shave November shirts and No-Shave November underwear,” said Hill. “And then a portion of the proceeds from the shirts and the underwear will go to our organization. We’re really excited about it.”

This year, Hoover said he wants the social studies staff to grow out mustaches.

“We had good support from other staff members, and it’s kind of fun to see [the teachers] grow out their facial hair,” said Hoover. “It’s not always pretty, [but] it was cool to see people do something physically uncomfortable to support a student.”