Cross Goes Clean Shaven

Mr. Austin Cross is Mayfair High School’s official journalism advisor, ELD teacher, creative writing and sophomore English teacher. Even if you do not recognize him by name alone, any student must have known him for his blond, curly hair and that iconic "Mr. Cross beard."

While it was not as magnificent as Mr. Boss’ majestic, brazen locks, it had its own particular charm. 

In a horrific turn of events, however, on the first full week of May, Cross suddenly came to school with a peculiar shedding spot on his face to many students’ confusion. To many’s horror, this was a deliberate decision on Cross’ part: he was finally shaving his glorious beard. That week, the upper lip of his mustache was terribly spotless while the rest of his facial hair remained, almost as a haunting reminder to what was lost; anyone that asked Cross would say he dubbed it “mutton chops,” followed by a “reverse Chaplin” in reference to the infamous pencil mustache. Such a decision was bold. Many speculated that it was some sort of fashion statement, but over everything, it was controversial. The pressure was on him and fast as the week combed by, no mustache in sight, many expected a faux mustache would have made an appearance by now. See image below.

Image courtesy of GoodFon

The razor finally struck its final toll on the Friday of May 9th, 2025, and Cross’ beard was fully gone, every lock shaved clean. “Two people noticed [the reverse Chaplin] so I got rid of it.”

“I was rocking mutton chops for like a week,” says Cross. “Fun week.”

It has been a week since he had fully shaved, and some still mourn every golden strand that once graced Cross’ now hairless face. His beard may come back one day, perhaps to its former glory in another school year or three. As the kids would say, he lost massive aura points with his shave.