Dream Academy News | DreamGirls @ Diadem
Wednesday May 26, 2010
The buzz of the hair dryer along with the trickle of water at a shampoo bowl is an unlikely scene at most salons on Monday morning when many are typically closed for business. Not so at Diadem Salon as it opened its doors just for the DreamGirls of the U.S. Dream Academy on Monday May 17, 2010. Treated as the guests of honor the entire day, the ladies were showered with treats, snacks, treated to lunch and each had their hair styled in preparation for their performance at the U.S. Dream Academy’s 9th Annual Power of a Dream Gala. “They welcomed us and made us feel comfortable”, said Monique an 8th grader who admitted she was nervous about getting her hair done.
The students are participants in the U.S. Dream Academy after-school and mentoring program which helps inspire children of incarcerated parents and other at-risk youth to become dreamers who realize their dreams. Diadem partnered with the Dream Academy Learning Center @ G.W. Childs to provide professional hair care services on a quarterly basis for students who show improvement in classroom and after-school behavior and academic performance. Beyond beautifying their outside, the experience at Diadem helped the students to “feel more confident” according to Lashay, who shared that the experience taught her that it is “important to know who you are.”
Full of excitement and ready to show off their new styles, the Dream Girls created an impromptu fashion show in the center of the salon, transforming the hardwood floors into a New York runway. One student in particular, who wants to be a stylist when she grows up, shared that this opportunity made her even more excited about the idea of working in a salon. After having their hair styled, hearts encouraged, the seeds of their dreams watered, and their minds empowered the DreamGirls sashayed out of the salon smiling bright and prepared to put on a stellar performance at the Power of a Dream Gala.
