Nine cosmetology students pampered families at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (November 15, 2018) — Nine students from The Mount Vernon High School cosmetology program recently volunteered their services to pamper families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla, N.Y. Through this partnership, the students had an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by offering parents a variety of haircare treatments.
Jaime Larmon, a work-based learning coordinator for the Mount Vernon City School District, and Brittany Moretti, programs operations manager of the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, worked together to organize the event.
“Most moms’ basic needs aren’t met when they’re just focused on their children’s medical care,” said Larmon. “Through this partnership, our students were able to hone their skills through hands-on experience and the parents were able to enjoy a little ‘me-time’ and pampering. The girls blossomed getting to use their classroom education in a real-world setting; It was incredible to witness.”
Joined by Larmon and The Mount Vernon High School cosmetology teacher Vanessa Newby-Jeffries, the group of nine students performed pre-arranged haircare treatments including haircuts, hair styling, trims, and blowouts on the moms, all of whom are residents at the Ronald McDonald House where the event took place.
Both the Ronald McDonald House team and the parents were appreciative of the students’ services.
“The students not only pampered our families, they allowed our residents a brief reprieve from their day and some time to care for themselves. This self-care allows parents to take better care of their hospitalized children, which is the reason why our House exists,” said Moretti.
Following the event, the Mount Vernon City School District was asked to return periodically to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley throughout the remainder of the 2018-2019 academic year. The students’ next visit is scheduled for December 6, 2018.
Students in The Mount Vernon High School career and technical education (CTE) Cosmetology II and III classes will continue to provide haircare treatments, as well as manicures, to families at the House.
About the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley gives families with critically ill and traumatically injured children the gift of togetherness and keeps them close to the care and resources they need. The House has 12 bedrooms that are filled to capacity every night. Meals, laundry and respite services are provided for the families. Located on the campus of the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y., the House is just steps away from the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The House also provides services to families staying at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Since it opened in 2011, more than 1,500 families have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. For more information, please visit www.rmh-ghv.org.
About Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
