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MTC Cosmetology Students Lend Skills and Time to Support Others

Submitted by Marianne LaRocco
Assistant Director, Massanutten Technical Center

Community service comes in big and small packages when it comes to our Cosmetology students. Many of our MTC students are actively involved in their community and those from our Cosmetology program are no different.

Five of our students participated last month in a Fashion Show at the Augusta Military Museum to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The five girls who participated were (pictured at left) Lyndsey Bolton (BHS), Lindsey Carper (TAHS), Nikki Burchett (SHS), Claudia Gonzalez (TAHS) - not pictured, and Valeria Zaldivar (TAHS) - not pictured. These girls did the hair and makeup for the participants in the Fashion Show, and before the show, pre-sold tickets, with all proceeds going to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. This event, sponsored by Reflections, raised more than $4000.00 for St. Jude's.

Also, Valeria Zaldivar and Lyndsey Bolton went to Ottobine Elementary School for the school's 2nd annual "Mom's Night Out" event. These girls devoted an evening to 'pamper' Ottobine Elementary moms with manicures. This special treatment was a greatly appreciated by the hard-working Ottobine moms and our Cosmetology students received their own rewards by donating their time to this important event.

Finally, one of our students, Nikki Burchett, made a big difference in one student's life. Ms. Ashley Gearing, teacher of students with significant disABILITIES at Spotswood High, told us about one of her challenged students who came to school one day with a very 'misshapen' haircut. This is when Nikki, MTC Cosmetology student, came to the rescue without any hesitation.

As Ms. Gearing said, "It is sometimes daunting to encounter and work with some students who have challenging behavior issues, but Nikki jumped right in and agreed to 'fix' Cassie's haircut." During her lunchtime, Nikki, using her Cosmetology skills, did a wonderful job with a new haircut for SHS student, Cassie Wilson. This 'small' act of service made a difference in a person's life!

At Massanutten Technical Center, we produce students who are winners in the classroom AND in the community!