Fourteen Newark Central School District students received free haircuts in the Lincoln School gymnasium during the first ever Back-To-School Haircuts and Classroom Supply Drive event held at the school August 25th.
Students, from all five NCSD schools who registered online in advance of the event_ received the basic haircuts from Mason’s Barber Shop’s five barbers Anthony Soto, Daniel True, Justin Smith and the 105 West Union Street shop’s co-owners Luis Rivera and Rich Fernandez.
In a joint statement explaining why they gave away from haircuts Rivera and Fernandez said: “Our goal was to give back to the community that has given us so much. The plan was easy, get some Team Mason’s members together and cut some hair. Then we looked for sponsors. It really made us happy that so many people stepped forward to help and donate time and money! This was the first of many events to come.”
Rivera and Fernandez’ wives, Amanda Rivera who until the end of this last school year had been a Lincoln School teacher assistant and Jenn Fernandez, who is a teacher assistant at the school, helped their husbands get the ball rolling in the Spring by asking and obtaining permission to hold the event from Lincoln Principal Stephanie Miller.
They also obtained some Newark sponsors for the event.
– Wegmans donated cases of bottled water and fruit and grain bars.
– BB’s Pizza donated two sheet pizzas.
– Tradition Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC donated $250 that was used to purchase classroom supplies.
– Market Alternatives, LLC donated $100 that was given to the Lincoln School activity fund.
– Premier Martial Arts instructor Spencer Lippert provided students waiting for haircuts, or after them, with some martial arts instruction.
“The beginning of the school year can be challenging for all families as they gather school supplies and purchase new clothes. Offering free hair cuts was one way to lift a burden during an expensive time of year,” Lincoln Principal Stephanie Miller said. “Kudos to the barbers and their families who identified a need and took action. I anticipate this will become an annual event that continues to gain attention and more participants.”
Lincoln School staff that volunteered at the event included teachers Cara Colf and Eileen Bruns who were greeters; Elaine Erb who made signs for it with her daughter, Ava; and Lincoln School teacher assistant Mary Lasecki who signed students into the event.
Amanda Rivera said the three-hour Sunday afternoon event was advertised on social media and on the Lincoln School website.
“We were pleased with the turnout and hope it will grow each year,” Amanda Rivera said.
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