Cosmetology program welcomes K-12 students for Santa Self-care Day
Holiday spirit permeated PCC's Cosmetology department Nov. 13 as students and staff welcomed about 200 K-12 students from Pueblo school districts 60 and 70 for the annual Santa Self-care Day. Michelle Garcia, assistant coordinator of the Collaborative Management Program in Pueblo County, arranged the event with Cosmetology instructors Andrea Valencia and Pam Graham. The CMP serves at-risk youth and families who are involved with multiple systems - K-12 education, juvenile justice, mental health and/or child welfare. In Pueblo, the primary focus is students in truancy court.
"The judges are very helpful with the event. It's a big deal for these kids," said Garcia. "One boy who's here today got a haircut at our event two years ago and hadn't gotten one since."
PCC's salon was bustling as Cosmetology students wearing holiday apparel provided services to a constant stream of young people and their parents and guardians. The visitors received free haircuts, nail services and care packages filled with self-care and personal hygiene items.
Addie Hunter, a concurrent enrollment Cosmetology student from Pueblo West High School, was happy to chat with her young clients.
"It's been great," she said. "They're so appreciative. One girl wanted my Instagram account to keep in touch."
The event also helps PCC students improve their skills.
“I love it,” said Hunter. “It takes some of the pressure off.”
Zachariah Cunningham, a PCC graduate, came back for the day to help current students navigate the deluge. He now works at Blended Barber and Beauty in the Pueblo Mall.
"I just want to be involved. It’s a solid program," he said. "I feel like if you're able to teach it, you understand it better. I feel like they should do more of (these events). It's a lot more realistic for when you start working."
As holiday music played in the background, Cosmetology Department Chair Michele Edwards smiled while talking about the continuing success of the occasion.
"It's good for the program and good for the community," she said.
Organizers are planning to offer another self-care day in the spring on a smaller scale, but also will continue to hold the larger holiday event.
