Special Needs Clients Get Spa Day at College for Prom

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

Cosmetology Instructor Wendy Billings led the event that included students from COS 114 – Salon II.

“This is the second year that COS 114 has had the pleasure of having the residents from Dunmore Plantation come to our department to be pampered before going to the Night to Shine event,” Billings said. “It's always fun for the Cosmetology students to have this opportunity in making this night special. We look forward to this every spring.”

Last week, six special needs adults from Dunmore Plantation, along with one student from Surry Central High School’s Special Education, class were treated to manicures, makeup application, haircuts, and hairstyling in the Cosmetology Salon on SCC’s Dobson campus.

The prom participants were excited about being at the Cosmetology salon. They spoke of how their new nail colors matched their prom dresses, and how they were ready to dance and have fun with their friends in the beautiful prom setting. One lady said she had woken up very early that morning and couldn’t go back to sleep because she was looking forward to prom, but that she might need a little nap that afternoon before the prom festivities began.

The Cosmetology students enjoyed getting to know the special needs adults. They learned one lady was from Boston, Massachusetts. Another enjoyed singing opera along with her favorite TV show theme song, The Beverly Hillbillies. Some of the ladies spoke of their boyfriends going to prom with them. They were all excited about their dresses and some shared memories of last year’s Night to Shine event.

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

“They’ve had a great time. They all look beautiful. The Cosmetology students have all done a wonderful job. We will definitely be back in the future,” Jenkins said.

The Night to Shine prom was held at Salem Baptist Church in Dobson on Feb. 7, as a part of a faith-based, international effort of 720 churches across all 50 states and in 34 countries including 36 different denominations that served 115,000 honored guests through the support of 215,000 volunteers. The prom is for special needs individuals 14 years old and older. This year Night to Shine celebrated its sixth anniversary.