Barbering and cosmetology students give senior citizens makeovers

Senior citizens sat in barbering chairs for a unique experience on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, as their hair was cut and styled by Mount Vernon High School students. Through a partnership with the City of Mount Vernon, senior community members came from the Doles Center to MVHS and received makeovers from the Career and Technical Education students. 

Men and women were led to the barbering room for haircuts and shaves, and women went to the cosmetology room for washes and sets, blow drying and flat ironing. They also took “before” pictures to compare with after the students styled them. 

“I feel good giving back and making the seniors feel happy and beautiful,” said Shyiann Smythe, 11th grade student at MVHS. “I’m a junior, and my last year is next year, so this prepares me for the real world because I really want to pursue cosmetology in my future.” 

Dr. Agnes Taylor, cosmetology teacher, and Ricardo Boreland, barbering teacher, advised students as they worked on the seniors’ hair. 

“Most of the students are used to working on other students because we travel around the school community and cut hair for them, so this is teaching them how to deal with older clientele,” said Dr. Taylor. “When we do this with the seniors, it is showing them how to show respect and honor the senior citizens in our community.”

After their haircuts, seniors took “after” pictures and smiled as they saw their new hair styles. 

“They did a great job; I’m happy,” said Maria DeSousa. “They treated me very well.”
 
Jazz music played and seniors were offered snacks and coffee as they waited in the cosmetology room, speaking with each other and students. 

“This gives the community a great opportunity to marry our oldest and our youngest in the name of community building, enrichment and growth,” said Brian Simmons, director of CTE. “From a college and career perspective, there is no greater opportunity than to have our emerging scholars meet with our seasoned veterans for a day of fun and community building.” 

A representative from Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s office also was at MVHS sharing information and programs that seniors can utilize. Resources included information about healthcare and how to avoid identity theft and scammers.