It’s been a long time since he’s seen a smile on his younger sister’s face, but when the box containing her brand new wig arrived, she smiled for the first time in a long time. Locks of Love delivered more than just a wig that day.
Principal Tonya King denied junior Jim Stack’s request to grow out his hair for Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for sick children. The school board will vote on this request Monday.

“I can’t bend the rules for just one student. There are other ways Jim could help the Locks of Love group,” King said.
King declined Stack’s request of growing out his hair to avoid problems with other students who want grow their hair out as well.

“Had I approved Jim’s request, then I would have students everyday asking if they could also break the dress code. The school would be in chaos then,” King said.
The school dress code states that a male student’s hair must be no longer than collar length and of natural color. King offered other ways to help the organizations that wouldn’t break school rules.

“I was disappointed when Mrs. King turned my request down. Mrs. King said I should just have a fundraiser instead,” Stack said.
Though the Locks of Love organization is always up for donations, they prefer hair rather than money.

“I’m told a lot of people donate money. Not very many donate hair. Anyone can donate money, but it takes time and dedication to grow out your hair and donate it,” Stack said.
Stack has attempted to come to agreements and make compromises with his principal, however, his request remains ungranted.

“I even agreed to tuck it into my shirt so it won’t be noticeable. After I reach my goal of 10 inches of hair, I hope I can inspire more people in the town to donate their hair,” Stack said.
Stack hopes to inspire people to support and help the Locks of Love organization by donating their hair.

“I hope the board approves my request. Donating my hair is a very special project to me. When we received her wig, she was so happy. I had not seen a smile on her face in a long time,”
Stack was inspired to grow out his hair by the smile on his little sister’s face, and hopes to inspire other people to grow out their hair and put those same smiles on other people’s faces.

“I think it’s cool that Jim wants to do this” student council president Gilbert Castillo said. “Rules were made to be broken, and this is a very good reason to break one.”