Larry Hypes
Contributing writer
BLACKSBURG – A lesson in giving illustrated how Holiday Helpers received blessings of their own.
“When we went to Heritage Hall, I expected to help out with haircuts, but ended up leaving with a piece of advice, a story and memory from each person I interacted with,” observed Blacksburg High School senior Liz Lugar, a SkillsUSA (national workforce development organization) state reporter and one of a dozen local cosmetology students from instructor Kelly Steiner’s class.
Steiner’s group, composed of BHS and Auburn High students, recently traveled to the local health care facility after being contacted by Heritage Hall Health Care long-term care social worker Brady Cassell to assist with haircuts and manicures for residents who often have limited opportunities for such services. In addition, students Zoe Wallace and Kaleigh Whittaker gave out candy canes to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
“We are so thankful for the cosmetology class – they brought lots of smiles and new styles – and our residents enjoyed the socializing and pampering,” noted Cassell.
As the HHHC staffers and residents began arriving for their individual sessions, it soon became not only an appearance upgrade but a bonding experience between the adults and students.
“Thank you” and “You are doing a great job” and “We really appreciate you coming out to do this for us” could often be heard as the many residents enjoyed their moments of trims and touch-ups.
“I am so happy to get my hair cut,” beamed 92-year-old Trula Baldwin, who before her illness was a weekly beauty shop customer, when her student worker Izzy Valluzo told her, “You look so pretty!”
The session is one of several annual community outreach activities by the SkillsUSA children, including preparing treats for local first responders, making Easter baskets for nursing home residents and hosting Halloween Trunk-or-Treat events for children.
“I am incredibly proud of these young ladies for being willing to spread holiday cheer to these sweet residents that are often forgotten,” said Steiner, adding, “and I am thankful to Heritage Hall for trusting us and giving my students some ‘real world’ experience.”
Blacksburg students included Ruth McCoy, Sophia Flynn, Izabella Valluzo, Harliee Phipps, Kaitlin Smith, Madisyn Jennelle, Kaleigh Whittaker and Zoe Wallace. Kenleigh Smith and Riley Dillow were the Auburn High students. Steiner added that Blacksburg and Auburn have cosmetology classes together in the BHS facility while Eastern Montgomery and Christiansburg High share classes at CHS.
Blacksburg Principal Chris Stewart commented, “It is amazing for our students to be a part of the Blacksburg and New River Valley communities and showing how education is so much more than what happens inside the walls of the school buildings.”
Heritage Hall administrator Aly Hamilton concluded, “Our residents deserve the pampering and extra Tender Loving Care. I am really grateful to these talented young people from our local schools.”
