Truman Elementary School boys were treated to free professional haircuts at Rogue Barber Shop on Sunday, Aug. 12. The back-to-school community event featured consultations with barbers, personalized haircuts, games and smiles from participating students.
But it all started when Truman fifth-grade teacher Matt McNeece talked to his neighbor.
“The owners of Rogue Barber, Ryan and Dacey Mulcahy, they’re my next door neighbors and really good friends,” said McNeece. “Last summer, I talked to them about the idea of a back to school event about giving away free haircuts for my boys. It was a no brainer, and they were happy to do it.”
Rogue opened its doors on a day it’s typically closed and its barbers spent their days off giving free haircuts to Truman students, many who had never received a professional haircut before.
"I think it's a very good step to take,” said Mulachy. “When you're looking good, you're walking a little bit taller and you feel a little bit better about yourself.”
McNeece noticed how many of his students walked out of the barber shop with confidence, ready to take on the school year.
“Even if one kid showed up, we knew we would have made an impact with this event,” he said. “Our plan going forward because it was so successful for the kids is that we’ll do Fades for Grades. So after first quarter, they’ll bring in their grade card to Rogue and if they have all A’s, then they’ll get a free haircut. We’ll do another event after first quarter.”
Truman principal Dr. Joellyn Travis is excited about the ongoing partnership with Rogue Barber Shop and hopes to make new partnerships with other businesses throughout Springfield.
“We want our students to see what opportunities there are in the Springfield community,” she said. “This year, it’s a focus for us to reach out to lots of different community partners just for our kids to learn more and see more in the community, because we’re preparing them to be future leaders here in Springfield.”
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