The Big Chop: Connect Academy Rallies Around Kellie Krefft

Connect Academy teachers Glenn Powell and Kellie Krefft promote The Big Chop, a special event where Glenn will cut his hair to raise funds for Wigs for Kids and support children experiencing medical hair loss.

At Connect Academy, that light is shining through an extraordinary act of compassion and community support. As our speech language pathologist, Kellie Krefft, courageously battles cancer for the third time, the Connect Academy community is coming together to support her and help others facing similar challenges.

On April 13, Connect Academy will host The Big Chop, a special school assembly where classroom teacher Glenn Powell will cut off his long hair after growing it out for six years. Glenn’s hair will be donated to Wigs for Kids, while the school raises funds to support the organization’s mission of helping children experiencing hair loss. The fundraiser will run through the day of the event.

Kellie’s Story
Kellie was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023, with recurrent diagnoses in June 2024 and December 2025.

In June 2024, she joined Connect Academy as a speech language pathologist while also restarting chemotherapy. At first, she kept her diagnosis private. But as treatment progressed and her hair began to fall out, she shared the news with coworkers and students. Any hesitation she felt about sharing her diagnosis quickly disappeared.

“People were naturally curious and had questions,” Kellie said. “But everyone at Connect Academy was overwhelmingly kind and supportive.”

Now facing cancer for the third time, Kellie says that support has only grown stronger. The encouragement and understanding from colleagues has helped make it possible for her to continue coming to work each day while going through treatment.

Glenn’s Story
For the past six years, Glenn Powell has been growing out his hair with the intention of donating it one day. He simply didn’t know when the right moment would come.

After learning that Kellie’s cancer had returned, Glenn began thinking about whether this might be the moment he had been waiting for.

“At first, I wasn’t ready,” Glenn said. “But the thought kept coming back.”

After reflecting on the decision, Glenn approached Kellie to share his idea. In an emotional conversation, they agreed to move forward with the plan.

“I’ve been so inspired by Kellie,” Glenn said. “Her strength and kindness in the face of adversity are incredible. She works in one of the most challenging educational settings possible, and she continues to give everything she has to our students.”

To Glenn, the moment is about more than just donating hair.

“We want our students to see the power of compassion and helping others,” he said.

On April 13, Glenn’s sister Megan, a professional hairstylist, will come to Connect Academy to cut Glenn’s hair during a schoolwide assembly.

Supporting Children Through Wigs for Kids
Glenn’s hair will be donated to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit that has spent more than 40 years helping children who experience hair loss due to medical conditions.

The organization provides high-quality hair replacement systems to children at no cost, helping them maintain confidence, self-image, and a sense of normalcy during difficult medical journeys.

In addition to Glenn’s hair donation, Connect Academy has launched a fundraiser to support Wigs for Kids and the children they serve.

How You Can Help
The Connect Academy community believes that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. You can be part of that effort. We invite you to support this fundraiser and help children experiencing hair loss regain confidence during challenging times. Donations will be accepted through April 13.

Support the fundraiser