Posted
March 26, 2026
This week, the St. Edward community came together in an inspiring display of unity during Eagles Soar for St. Baldrick’s, a head-shaving fundraiser supporting childhood cancer research.
The effort was led by Bryan Vlosich ’26, who addressed the student body ahead of the event to encourage participation among his fellow Edsmen. “I know how valuable an event this can be,” Vlosich said. “I wanted to share it with the St. Edward brotherhood and show that we’re all here together trying to fight childhood cancer.”
Students responded immediately, signing up to shave their heads and securing pledges from friends and family. What began with a $5,000 fundraising goal quickly gained momentum, as the Eagle Brotherhood surpassed the target early and continued pushing forward, ultimately raising more than $20,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
On event day, nearly 150 students, faculty, and staff—including Principal Matt Altieri ’05—took their place in the barber chairs in a powerful act of solidarity with children undergoing cancer treatment. Edsmen weren’t the only ones to take part—one EdsWOMAN got in on the action as Executive Campaign Director Colleen Kiely braved the shave as well.
With each haircut, the space filled with applause and encouragement, transforming the event into a shared expression of courage, empathy, and community commitment.
Remembering Michael Orbany
St. Edward High School has a long-standing connection to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and other organizations dedicated to fighting childhood cancer. In 2010, Michael Orbany—the younger brother of Matthew ’15—was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor.
Throughout his journey, Michael made a lasting impression on the St. Edward community. He approached his diagnosis with a steady determination that people around him quickly came to respect.
Before his passing in 2014, just shy of his 10th birthday, Michael was awarded St. Edward’s first Honorary Diploma at Commencement.
Students and teachers knew him as “Big Mike,” a nickname that reflected the toughness and resilience he showed throughout his fight.
Even as new generations of students arrive on campus, his story is still shared. Alumni continue to speak about him, and his words—Never Ever Give Up—are still remembered.
The Class of 2015 united to create the Big Mike Orbany Endowed Scholarship. Pictured is Michael's parents Georgianne and Steve Orbany '80 at the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon with recipient Nathaniel Dancy '28.
