Before the sun rose in the sky, the Texas High TigerSharks arrived at the pool to prepare for their morning workout, but this day felt different for the team. Instead of diving into the frigid waters, many circled around to watch their friend lose one of his most prized possessions, his hair.

On the morning of Oct. 2, 2025, senior Coy Ward, with the support of the swim team, cut all of his hair off to donate to a local charity. Most go to a barber shop, cut their hair and send it straight to the trash, as if they don’t know that an increasing need for hair exists.

“I shaved my head to give [my hair] to Wigs for Kids, an organization that will be making a wig out of my hair and giving it to a child with cancer,” Ward said. “I cut off around 16 inches of hair that took about four years to grow out.”

Charities such as Wigs for Kids operate all over the country to support children affected by cancer. Ward’s act of kindness, along with many others, helps to raise awareness for their cause and puts a smile on the faces of young children worldwide.

“Donate to Wigs for Kids; they accept monetary donations as well as hair donations,” Ward said. “For more information, visit their website wigsforkids.org”

Coy’s head-shaving became a spectacle, as many had only known him with a head full of hair. 

“There were probably 10 of us who helped shave his head that morning. We got there extra early, so we didn’t run into our practice time,” senior David Carlton said. “After we cut the hair off that he was donating, we got an electric trimmer and buzzed the rest.”

Ward’s generous act already started to create action throughout our community. Many swimmers from the Texas High TigerSharks buzz with excitement to help support Wigs for Kids later in the year.

“After we finished, we decided we would bring back the team tradition of shaving our heads for regionals and then donate the hair to Wigs for Kids,” Carlton said. “There are at least five or six senior boys who plan on doing it.”