Supporting a classmate through a tough time was a practical and visible statement for Perimeter School students.

When Bailey Moody, a fourth grader at Perimeter, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, two boys in her class decided to show her she wouldn’t walk alone by shaving their heads and convincing the majority of the boys in their class to follow suit.

Osteosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor, and because of the diagnosis Bailey is undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Principal Cheryl Kaywood said Bailey comes to school when she can and her classmates are always eager to see her.

Michael Mele and Colin Style approached their dads about their act of solidarity and on April 9 helped lead a demonstration of friendship by shaving their heads at school.

“We got in a circle to pray and then I got up and started talking about how this is not a joke, we’re not shaving our heads just to say, ‘This is so cool,’” said Michael. “We were doing this for Bailey.”

First in line to get his buzz cut was Bailey’s first-grade brother Luke, who was then followed by most of the fourth-grade boys.

“I think one of the issues you have with any kind of education is you expose children to needs and to crisis but you never really give them an opportunity to do anything,” said Headmaster Bobby Scott. “This reminded me that we need to have some things where they’re able to do something that connects with the need.”

The fourth-grade girls have shown their support by wearing orange “Team Bailey” hats and making baskets and treats for Bailey.

“That’s what was gratifying about this,” said Scott. “The kids saying, ‘Okay, there’s a need here to support one of our fellow students. What can we do in some tangible way?’”