Cosmetology Students Volunteer Prom Preparation Services for Special Needs Community

Surry Community College Cosmetology students had the opportunity to serve the special needs adult population by helping them to prepare for the Night to Shine prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Lead Cosmetology Instructor Robin Minton arranged the community service opportunity for her students.

“We are honored to be able to do this, ” Minton said. “It's a privilege to be a part of this night and to help these folks feel special and loved all day long. They get to feel beautiful all day and all evening. ”

Minton said not only is this way to give back to community, but it is also a learning experience for her students.

“It's a good experience for students to know that everyone is not the same and to be able to adapt to different experiences and people. ”

Barb Harp gets dolled up for Night to Shine.

On a recent Friday morning, about a dozen special needs adults from Dunmore Plantation and LIFESPAN filed into the Cosmetology Salon on SCC's Dobson campus. They were treated to manicures, makeup application, haircuts, and styling.

Cosmetology student Cianna Rector said, “This is a really good experience for me. I love making people feel good especially when they are about to go to prom. ”

"I'm very excited for them," student Loretta Guden said while painting a guest's fingers. "Miss Deanna here, she's ready to have it all done. She wants her hair, her makeup and her nails, and we're making her feel like a princess today."

Cosmetology student Avery Adams cuts John Edwards' hair.

As she was getting her nails painted Caribbean blue to match her dress, Roxie Simmons said, “I am a little nervous. I have never been to a prom. ”

Sheena Brooks, Activity Director at Dunmore Plantation was pleased that her residents were getting the royal treatment.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for them, ” Brooks said. “The things we take for granted means the world to them. ”

Linda Binge, Community Enrichment Specialist, at LIFESPAN added, “It makes me so happy to see them get fixed up. ”

Roxie Simmons gets ready for Night to Shine with a manicure by Cosmetology student Cianna Rector.

The Night to Shine prom was held at Salem Baptist Church in Dobson on Feb. 8 as a part of a faith-based, international effort of 655 churches from around the world that served about 100,000 honored guests through the support of around 200,000 volunteers. The prom is for special needs individuals 14 years old and older. This year Night to Shine celebrated its fifth anniversary.

Registration for summer and fall classes at Surry Community College begins April 8 for new curriculum students. The college is offering a Spring Open House Series for prospective students with chances to win scholarship money. Go to www.surry.edu to learn more.