The Big Chop: Compassion in Action at Connect Academy

Glenn holds his donated hair after “The Big Chop,” alongside Kellie.

At Connect Academy, this story begins with Kellie Krefft. Kellie, a speech-language pathologist, has faced multiple cancer diagnoses, all while continuing to show up each day for her students with consistency, care, and strength. For those who work alongside her, that resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Her journey didn’t just impact her students, it impacted the entire Connect Academy community.

Connect Academy Speech Language Pathologist, Kellie Krefft shares:

Going through a cancer journey can be filled with feelings of darkness and uncertainty, but The Big Chop event was such a beautiful reminder of all the love, kindness, and support I have from my Connect Academy family. It exceeded my hopes and expectations, and I feel completely overcome with gratitude for Glenn Powell, everyone who so generously donated, and all of the staff and students who attended the event. It was something truly special.

One Decision Turned Into Something Bigger

After seeing Kellie’s continued strength, teacher Glenn Powell made a decision. For six years, Glenn had been growing out his hair with the intention of donating it. In light of Kellie’s situation, he decided it was time, not just to donate, but to do something that could make a broader impact.

Instead of quietly cutting his hair, Glenn turned the moment into a fundraiser supporting Wigs for Kids, an organization that provides hairpieces to children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

Special Education Teacher, Glenn Powell, shares his reflection of the day:

It’s hard to put into words all of the emotions I felt today. Connect Academy added their match the day of the event, which put us over $9,000 for the fundraiser. I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness, love, and support of so many. It reminds you just how much good there is in the world.

Kellie came into my room early that morning to talk about the plans for the assembly. We looked at each other and couldn’t believe what we had done and what we were about to do. We gave each other a big, long hug, and at that moment, I didn’t think my heart could be any more full… until the assembly started.
​
It was the most amazing, joyful, and beautiful thing I’ve ever been a part of. It was like we were one big family, just happy to be sharing a moment with one another. The hair and the money will go to a wonderful cause and change the lives of some very special kids. It was that type of day, a day that we will all remember and forever share.

What started as a personal act became a way to support others and honor Kellie at the same time.

Connect Academy Turned It Into a Learning Moment
Recognizing the significance of Glenn’s decision and Kellie’s journey, Connect Academy chose to bring the entire school into the moment.

The goal wasn’t just to support the fundraiser, it was to teach students something real:

• What empathy looks like
• How to support others
• Why giving back matters

To do that, the school organized an assembly, creating a shared experience where students could engage, learn, and even partake in the special haircut. 

The Big Chop: A Moment Students Could See and Feel
The event, appropriately named “The Big Chop”, was built to engage students while leading up to a meaningful moment.

The assembly began with lighthearted “Minute to Win It” games, where staff competed and students cheered. The energy in the room was high, but intentional. It created connection and drew students into the experience. Students then learned about Wigs for Kids and the purpose behind the fundraiser.

And then, the moment came. Glenn took a seat, and in front of students and staff, his hair was cut by students and his sister who is a local hair stylist. It was simple, but powerful. It gave students something they don’t often get in a classroom: a real, visible example of compassion and action.

Turning a Moment Into Meaning
This wasn’t just about a haircut. It was about showing students:

• How one person’s challenge can bring people together
• How one decision can create impact
• How support can move beyond words into action

​As Heather Bruen, President of Connect Academy, shared:

Kellie’s strength and resilience have deeply impacted our entire community. At Connect Academy, we do incredibly important work every day to ensure our students have a safe, supportive place to learn, grow, and feel truly cared for, and we do that work together.

‘The Chop’ was a powerful reflection of who we are. We care for one another like family, we show up for the children we serve, and in this moment, we were able to extend that same care beyond our walls to children who will benefit from Wigs for Kids.
​
I am profoundly proud of our staff, our students, and our community for modeling the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness. Moments like this remind us that what we teach our students goes far beyond the classroom.

The Impact So Far
What started with Kellie’s journey and Glenn’s decision has grown into something much bigger. As of today, the Connect Academy community has raised more than $9,600 for Wigs for Kids and the fundraiser is still live through April 20.

Be Part of the Story
Every donation helps provide hairpieces to children experiencing hair loss and gives them confidence during incredibly difficult moments. If you would like to participate in our story, we invite you to check out our fundraising page and consider a donation to this worthy cause. 

More than a Moment: A Lasting Impact
In the end, The Big Chop was never just about a haircut. It was about what happens when a community chooses to show up for one another, and for people they may never meet. It was Kellie’s strength, Glenn’s decision, and a school’s commitment to turn both into something meaningful. And for the students who witnessed it, the lesson is one that will last far beyond a single day. Compassion isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we do everyday.

Donate Today