By Lisa Duckers
Staff Writer
March brings many things like St. Patrick’s Day, the start of spring and March Madness. Another transition March brings is facial hair. For many male Mira Costa students and teachers, March is an opportunity to grow and celebrate “March Mustaches.”
The idea of Mustache March is simple: participants grow a mustache from March 1 to March 31. Although the event is not quite as popular as “Novembeard,” Mustache March has a following all its own, including some very dedicated participants.
“I think that if you are able to grow a mustache, it is kind of an obligation to grow one during March,” senior Brendan Sofen said. “I’ve grown really attached to this tradition and I think it is an awesome time to do something that wouldn’t normally be appropriate in other situations.”
Mustache March has its roots in the U.S. Air Force, where members would grow mustaches and beards in March in good-natured protest against military facial hair regulations in the Air Force. This tradition spread around the country, including Mira Costa.
“One summer, Mr. Debevec and I were discussing with each other about how nice it was to not have to shave. Inspiration struck and we decided to use the month of March to relive that summer dream,” special education teacher Tom Cox said.
When it comes to Mustache March, every person has his or her own set of rules. Some forbid facial hair other than the mustache, while others must be clean shaven on March 1 unless they already have a mustache.
“I like to grow a full beard for the first couple of weeks and then shave it down to various mustache styles for the rest of the month,” statistics teacher and fellow mustache enthusiast Debevec said.
Of course, mustaches of all variety are encouraged this month, no matter how big or unusual they might be. But there is one type of mustache that is special to faculty participants at Mira Costa.
“On March 31, Coller, Sponaugle, Kurtz and I all shave down to a ‘Sponaugle’ mustache,” Debevec said.
Many charities around the nation use the concept of Mustache March to raise money. This month, many Costa students will get involved with this uniqe tradition by not shaving.
“I think that growing out a mustache is a fun way for people to get involved in helping out with charity. Mustache March, in general, is just a really cool idea,” junior Ryan Barney said.
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