Since the creation of humanity, hairstyles have always been a bearer of fashion. Paleoanthropologists, scientists who study human fossils, have made multiple discoveries that prove the theory of hair evolution; the idea that hair evolved just like humans have. In 2005, Paleoanthropologists discovered that the Roman hairstyle in 50 BC was often a bald head. This proves that the Roman people must have created the bald hairstyle, as the hairstyles before that time, were not bald. As time passed, and humanity evolved, the bald head disappeared, and new hairstyle trends rose to the surface, including mohawks. However, in Cannon Falls High School and Middle School, some teachers are trying to bring back the infamous bald trend.
When walking into Josh Olson’s class, the history teacher for 7th, and 10th grade, students are often first met with his style. Newspaper posters are hung around his classroom, maps showcased, and most importantly, his bald head. He’s not the only history teacher with a bald head, however. Rob Stachowski, a Middle school history teacher, and Tom Langfeldt, a high school history teacher, also rock a bald hairstyle. At first glance, it’s a coincidence that those three happen to be bald, and are history teachers, except, it’s not. Every other Saturday, these three, also known as “The Squad”, go to the Family Salon in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, to get their heads shaved and get a pedicure. When asked how they do it, Olson gave a brief explanation. “The Squad will hop into my car in the morning and head over to our appointment. It was Langfeldt’s idea to get a pedicure, but no one complained. The appointment takes about an hour, but it’s worth it.” This tradition started five years ago and it all started from an idea.
Since the three teachers are history fanatics, they often love connecting with the past. According to Express News, Julius Caesar was suffering from baldness in his lifetime. In 50 BC, the Roman people believed baldness was a curse, and Caesar thought the same, so he hid his baldness. He and his bald head inspired the Squad to become bald, but instead of hiding it, they embraced it. Stachowski, being the leader of the Squad, came up with the idea. When Stachowski brought up the idea, Langfeldt agreed, by saying “The good lord created those of us with good heads.” These two quickly got Olson to agree, and went to shave their heads. They ended up loving their hairstyle and kept the tradition for years. However, they’ve considered adding a fourth member to their Squad, due to desire for power. Their future goals are to create a cult, starting with one member at a time. As it turns out, they found the perfect member.
Heather Loeschke, a high school history teacher, has been on the Squad’s radar for a while. Last month, they confronted her to join them to shave her head too. Immediately, she refused, claiming she loved her hair. “My hair defines who I am as a person. It is luscious and long, and those boys will never be able to touch it.” The Squad hasn’t given up yet though, and are still trying to convince Loeschke to come with them. Last week, Loeschke started taking measures to even lock her door to her room during passing time, to avoid the Squad. Her refusal is unnecessary. It’s quite clear that the tradition is important to Stachowski, Olson, and Langfeldt, so inviting Loeschke should have been a huge honor for her.
Hairstyles are important to humanity. They represent who people are, shining their personalities through each hair strand. For Stachowski, Langfeldt, and Olson, it shows that they aren’t afraid to come out of their shell. It shows their bravery and fascination for history. They’ve tried to get Loeschke to join them, but she has refused multiple times. As upsetting as it is, the Squad won’t give up. One thing they hope to get from students in both Middle School and High School is to help with their problem. Their next appointment is Saturday, April 6, and plan to evade Loeschke’s door on April 2nd. They are encouraging students to join with them and rally against Loeschke’s refusal. If there is anyone free on April 2nd, come join them.
