Getting the VIP Treatment Amanda Elementary visits Butler Tech

Getting the VIP Treatment

Students from Amanda Elementary School got a close look at Butler Tech’s Cosmetology Salon (plus a few extras)

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

–ElEanor roosEvElt

Students from Amanda Elementary School were given VIP treatment at the Butler Tech Fairfield Township D. Russel Lee Cosmetology Salon.

A few months ago, Claudia Hubbard and Jennifer Watkins, Butler Tech Cosmetology instructors, received a request from Rebekah Ealy, Butler County Educational Service Center’s Success Program community liaison. Ealy explained that in her role, she works to help students and parents overcome non-cognitive barriers they are facing that are preventing success in school. She shared that she knew several students at Amanda Elementary School in Middletown that needed haircuts, noting that haircuts and other personal care can feel like “extras” or “non-essentials,” especially during trying financial times. The trio brainstormed ideas, and planned a salon experience for these young students; along with an opportunity for them to learn more about Butler Tech and careers so they can dream big for their futures!

“Many of our students come from difficult backgrounds and experiences that stifle their drive to dream,” shared Ealy. “Our school knew that giving our students the opportunity to see more of Butler Tech and to be exposed to the many programs that it offers, would be an inspirational experience.”

When the students arrived at the Butler Tech Cosmetology salon, they were treated to a variety of personal services of their choosing including shampoo, haircut, blow-dry, manicures, and more.

“Our students were treated just like celebrities in the salon and “oohed” and “aahed” over and over as they confidently showed off their new looks,” said Ealy. “A huge thank you goes out to all of the Butler Tech students and staff members who interacted with our students throughout the day! They were the kindest people and they showed genuine interest in our children. This was a priceless experience for a child who isn’t shown often enough how valuable and special they truly are!”

After their star treatment in the salon, the students were given a short tour of the Butler Tech D. Russel Lee and School of the Arts campuses by Butler Tech Student Ambassadors. The tour allowed them the opportunity to see high school students in action in many of the campus labs such as Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, Precision Machining and Digital Media. They even caught a VIP sneak peek of a Theatre and Dance performance rehearsal in the School of the Arts event center.

“Those moments made such big impacts!” said Ealy. “When I say that the lab tours were life-changing for some of these children - that is no exaggeration! Since our trip, I’ve heard nothing but chatter about their plans to study at Butler Tech when they are old enough.” Below are some of the best quotes from these young dreamers…

“The best part was seeing all the different things we can learn.”

“I learned that there are so many things you can do. Not just one thing.”

“I think I really want to be a hairstylist now!”

“The pizza was way better than our pizza here at school!” “ROBOTS ARE THE COOLEST!”

“So much of what they wanted to share, aligned with the core goal of our trip, ‘inspiring dreamers.’ That means the world to us here at Amanda Elementary because that’s why we do what we do every day,” she explained. “I can envision many of these students walking the halls of Butler Tech in 5 or 6 years, building the futures they are dreaming about today.”

Butler Tech, one of Ohio’s largest career technical institutions, has been fulfilling its mission to meet the technical education and training needs of students and employers in the area since 1975. Its passionate educators are on a shared mission of transforming lives to create students who are career-ready and collegeprepared. Their instructors serve more than 18,000 students daily on Butler Tech’s five campuses and in classrooms within their 11 associate school districts. At their two adult program campuses, Butler Tech offers adult learners the opportunity to train for careers in healthcare, public safety, to industrial technology and transportation.

“My haircut is so awesome!” (Insert hair flip)

Butler Tech offers more than education for high school students and adults, they offer Training for Life! To learn more visit www.butlertech.org ❑