Dunbar students are hosting the first competitive “beard-off” in which participants will try their hardest to grow the best beard possible.

Sign-ups began in October on a Facebook event called “The Beard-Off” Pictures of participants were taken on Oct. 31 as proof that the participant was cleanly shaven on the starting date of the competition. They plan to continue past the traditional No-Shave November until Jan. 2.

Seniors Hamza Ashfaq, Ryan Haney and Spencer Dyminski came up with the idea for this charity event. There was a $5 fee to enter, and funds collected were given to The Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The contest has proven harder than it seems for students. Many were enthusiastic about growing a beard, until the true challenges of having a beard presented themselves.

Senior Dean Hadi said, “I’m going to win,” but then a week later Hadi was found to be clean shaven. “My beard was itchy,” he said.

Students will be judged by Dunbar teachers Mr.  Matt Turner, Mr. Jason Howell and Mr. James Campbell on the length, fullness and styling of the beard.

The judges were chosen due to their beard growing competency and how they advocate beard growth.

The participant with the best beard will receive  a beard trimmer and two gift cards, while the second and third place finishers will only receive gift cards.