Blackman Middle Battles Childhood Cancer

Blackman Middle School’s head custodian Denise Arnold fought back tears when four men had their heads shaved in her honor Monday. Arnold is a proud breast cancer survivor. Principal Will Shelton, math teachers Larry Smith and B.J. Smith and School Resource Officer Casey McClure raised $1,900 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for cancer research. Shelton also honored a student with cancer. Riverdale High School’s students, faculty and staff raised more than $42,000 last week and challenged other schools. Principal Ryan Nance, teachers Coach Lamar Davis and Caron Peck and School Resource Officer James Coots challenged Blackman and other schools to join their fight against childhood cancer. They were joined by Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and Deputy Chief Egon Grissom when the four Blackman Middle men had their heads shaved by Kristy Wallace and Kirstie Pelletier of Sports Clips. Peck said cancer research became personal when her son has a friend with cancer. Davis thanked the students. “You have already started making a difference,” Davis said, adding, “You already know someone who has cancer. When your family is affected, you get it.”