District Five Adult Ed students get makeovers, boost of confidence

COLUMBIA – Adult education students in Lexington-Richland School District Five and Richland One received pampering and pats on the back as part of a “Makeover Day” event by the two school district’s programs.

The event at Heyward Career & Technology Center on April 20 included haircuts and styling, manicures and before-and-after photo ops by high school students at the Richland One tech school. Organizers say the event was aimed at celebrating the adult education students’ decisions to earn their high school diplomas or GED and give them confidence as they prepare for job searching and interviewing.

“It was a great event and very rewarding to see the smiles and excitement on the students faces,” said Mary Hugee, District Five adult education transition specialist. “The students were able to experiment with a fresh, new look to accompany the fresh, new beginning they have accessed through their participation in the adult education program.”

District Five Adult Education Program student Kristen Branham gets a new hairstyle during a “Makeover Day” event by District Five and Richland One. Organizers say the event at Haywood Career & Technology Center on April 20 was aimed at celebrating the adult education students’ decisions to earn their high school diplomas or GED and give them confidence as they prepare for job searching and interviewing.

Services were provided to around 10 students from District Five and 10 students from Richland One adult education programs. Hair and nail products were donated, and local salons volunteered to provide services at the event.

“As a business owner, when I see people trying to improve themselves and programs that are good for the community, I want to be a part of it,” said Melissa Horton of Unique Hair Design in Lancaster, S.C. “As barbers, cosmetologists and nail techs; we are in the serving field. This makeover day is a small thing, we can do to help make these students feel good.”

Reginald China, a media technology instructor at Heywood Career & Technology Center, said the event also gives high school students at the tech school important experience.

“My students were able to take before-and-after pictures and pictures of the students receiving services, so it’s allowed them to get the practice they need to get better too,” China said.

District Five’s Adult Education Program has been one of the primary adult education providers for the area for over 30 years. With four sites throughout the district, the program is an official GED test site specializing in “assessing student needs, creating individualized plans of study, assisting students with transitions to initial employment and career changes, and providing post-secondary education and training,” officials said.

Programs and offerings include literacy assistance, ESL (English as a second language) programs, PreGED, GED Fast Track, WorkKeys/Career Readiness Certification, state high school diploma, HSAP (high school exit exam), college and military entrance exam preparation and computer literacy training. Additional courses and special workshops are added throughout the year based on students’ needs.

Students said the makeovers were a boost of confidence and reminder of the real reward that will come on graduation day.

“Everyone loves to be pampered, and I really appreciate what they’re doing for us today,” said Kim Muller, a District Five adult education student who would like to enter the nursing field. “Just like the pampering I got today, I started in adult ed for myself. It was time. And I want a better job, something you can’t get without a GED or diploma.”

Kristen Branhan, who started the District Five adult program in March, added: “I have four kids. My oldest is 13 and my youngest is five, so I’m trying to show them that their education is important…I’m looking forward to graduation, and I hope they’ll see that I’m setting the example for them.”