Dania Beach, Florida — Dozens of students at a South Florida elementary school walked into their end-of-the-year ceremonies feeling more confident after receiving free haircuts from volunteer barbers in a special community event.
At Collins Elementary in Dania Beach, classrooms were temporarily transformed into a bustling barbershop as students lined up for fresh fades, buzzcuts and shape-ups during the school’s annual “Cut and Groom Day.”
School Hosts Free Haircut Event for Students
The event brought together school staff, community volunteers and professional barbers to help students look and feel their best before important school celebrations.
Around 30 boys received free haircuts during the event, with volunteer barbers providing a variety of styles based on what each student wanted.
Principal Theon Eames said the idea behind the event goes beyond appearance and focuses on helping students build confidence and pride.
“They look good, they feel good, they behave well,” Eames said.
He explained that every student was given the opportunity to choose the haircut they wanted.
“Whether they wanted a haircut, whether they wanted a shape up, whatever it was, they were able to provide it for them,” Eames said.
Volunteer Barbers Give Back to Community
The event was made possible through support from barbers at Universal Barbershop in Hollywood, who volunteered their time and services for the students.
Barbers spent hours cutting hair, interacting with students and helping create a positive atmosphere throughout the school.
“We love giving back to the community any way possible,” one barber said.
For many of the volunteers, the event represented more than just haircuts — it was a chance to encourage children and help them feel proud heading into their ceremonies.
Students Excited About Fresh New Looks
Students who participated in the event proudly showed off their new hairstyles and shared how much the experience meant to them.
Fourth grader Carl Content said the haircut immediately gave him a confidence boost.
“It feels nice and the haircut looks good,” Carl said. “It makes me feel good and refreshing.”
Another student, Corey Edgerton, excitedly shared his reaction after getting cleaned up for the ceremony.
“I’m going to look good,” Corey said.
Some students admitted they felt nervous sitting in the barber chair at first, but volunteers helped calm them throughout the process.
“Just close your eyes and sit still,” one barber reassured a student during the event.
Confidence and Support for Families
Principal Eames said the free haircut event also helps ease financial pressure for families while ensuring students can feel prepared for milestone moments at school.
“We’re just trying to make a way to meet the need of our community and our scholars because they worked hard this year,” Eames said.
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Barbers also emphasized the emotional impact small acts of kindness can have on children.
“It gives them some confidence, self-esteem. It helps them focus a little more better,” said Manuj Narine of Universal Barbershop.
Narine added that many students become visibly excited after seeing their finished haircuts.
“They’re like, ‘oooo that’s me, wow. I like this. I look fresh,’” he said.
Tradition Continues for School Community
Principal Eames said this is not the first time he has organized a “Cut and Groom Day” for students, and he hopes to continue bringing the tradition to school communities in the future.
As end-of-the-year ceremonies begin at Collins Elementary, students are now entering those celebrations with fresh haircuts, bigger smiles and renewed confidence.
What do you think about schools and local businesses working together to support students like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
