On October 23, 2014, School Superintendent Carl Merritt dyed his mustache pink to celebrate October Attendance and to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Merritt began the day at Transitions Day Spa here in Poplarville where Claudia Thrash dyed Merritt's mustache pink after a bright shade of pink was choosen by district office staff who accompanied Merritt to the salon.
After the day's preparations, Merritt and Attendance Intervention Coordinator, Lisa Magee, scheduled visits at all campuses to celebrate October Attendance.
"Regular school attendance is critical to a student's academic success. We are so proud of all of our students and their families for helping us reach our attendance goals," stated Magee.
The event also celebrated October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to BreastCancerAwareness.org, "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same."
After the day's events, Merritt said, "It was a wonderful experience. I made a promise to the students of the district that if they met their attendance goals I would dye my mustache pink. They did their part so I had to do mine. It also brought attention to Breast Cancer Awareness month which is important. Breast cancer has touched so many lives in our community and district. Today was a wonderful experience and a fun way to bring attention to two important causes."
