Oct. 26, 2007 — Students from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School anxious to make a difference throughout the community will take part in a national campaign Saturday geared toward offering a range of goods and services to those in need.
Residents and community organizations are encouraged to turn out at the school's campus on St. Thomas to receive free makeovers — including manicures, pedicures and hairstyling services — from Kean's advanced cosmetology department. Representatives from the island's nursing homes, homeless shelters and other non-profit groups can also dip into a large stock of linens — everything from fresh towels to comfy pillows — donated by the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Students will also make their mark on the local beaches by helping to organize cleanups, school principal Sharon McCollum explained Friday.
"It's always a morale booster when you're doing something positive, something that can really make a difference within the community," she said. "Many of our groups — such as the football team and student councils — are participating, and it's really helped to galvanize the school. It's become a real team effort."
McCollum allowed the cosmetology class, led by local beautician Javaite Brin, to prepare for its weekend customers by giving her a relaxing shampoo and rinse in a classroom resembling a modern beauty salon — replete with a state-of-the-art manicure and pedicure center.
"The community should know that our class is always open for customers," McCollum said. "And it costs substantially less than going to a regular hair dresser or nail salon. The class has been up and running for about two years now, and it's been a real success."
The school's efforts are part of a national campaign called "Make a Difference Day," which was started by USA Today Weekend Magazine and is held annually on the last Sunday in October. By participating in the program, Kean has the opportunity to win a number of prizes, including a coveted $10,000 grant, which would go toward one or more local charities.
"While we are hoping to get the grant award, we still view our participation in the program as a win-win," McCollum said. "Whether we get the money or not, we're still going to be out there helping our community and really making a difference."
Students and administrators will be on campus bright and early Saturday morning to begin receiving the first customers, she added, and won't stop until the last person is served.
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