Pink glitter shimmers from every angle and direction as FTI students fill the hallways wearing bright pink, sparkly tutus to show their support for breast cancer awareness. Their glowing smiles combined with the varying shades and designs bring a peppy, energetic vibe to the normal school setting.

Every Friday during the month of October, Future Teacher Internship (FTI) students wear home-made pink tutus and take pledges and donations for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This will count as their required annual community service, and their goal is to raise $5,000.

“I think it’s a really good, fun community service [project],” FTI sponsor Danette Maxwell said. “And every tutu is different for every person. I love that. I think it’s so cute.”

Maxwell got the idea for the fundraiser from an email she received regarding The Tutu Project, an organization started by Bob Bloomingdale with a mission to support the fundraising efforts of The Carey Foundation for men and women with breast cancer. The idea is also personal to Maxwell, because her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977. Although her grandmother got her left breast removed and became cancer-free, seven years later it returned as bone cancer.

“My grandma was very dear to my heart,” Maxwell said. “It’s very fitting to me that [FTI] can do the fundraiser in October to support breast cancer awareness for others who are struggling, just like my grandma did.”

Maxwell figured it would be a bigger fundraiser if the boys in FTI wore tutus as well. She believes that because pink tutus are generally seen as a much more girly article of clothing, people will pay more money to see a high school boy wear one.

“I think it’s funny and also, really kind-hearted that the guys are willing to wear tutus for such a good cause,” junior Tatiana Hernandez said. “Especially because I think most guys would find it too embarrassing.”

However, FTI students are not the only people involved in this project. Physics teacher Jared Monroe has decided to contribute through a different method: motivation. Monroe has promised that if FTI students reach their goal, he will let them make him a tutu to wear throughout November. If the students raise $7,000, he has agreed to allow the top contributors to give him a full makeover: hair, lipstick, nail polish and all.

“I figure it’s a lot more motivational to see a teacher do something crazy than it is for students,” Monroe said. “Kids do weird stuff all the time; it’s the teachers you don’t expect to see walking around in crazy tutus and makeup.”

Whether the project directly applies to the participants or not, the FTI students are glad to contribute money toward the cause.

“I think breast cancer awareness should always be supported,” Hernandez said. “I can’t really put myself in the shoes of someone who has lost a loved one to breast cancer, but if I ever did lose someone, then I’d want someone else to be there and help. I think everyone deserves that comfort and hope.”