Fancy hair for a good cause: BNL substitute teacher donating time to raise money for special needs prom
BEDFORD — Shelby Brazzell left her career as a hairstylist a few years ago but she still loves doing hair, especially hairdos for special occasions. Next week, Brazzell is offering to style hair for the upcoming Bedford North Lawrence prom on April 16 and is donating all proceeds to the BNL special needs prom.
The cost will range from $10 to $20, much less than hair styled at a salon, which can range from $30 to $150, she said.
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Brazzell worked as a hairstylist for seven years and still has her license. Two years ago, she became an everyday substitute teacher at BNL.
She was aware the special education department was raising money for the special needs prom. She also was very aware that not everyone can afford to get their hair done at a salon, so she combined the two, offering an affordable option for prom hair and donating all proceeds to the special needs prom.
"I've always loved doing formal hair. I do six or seven weddings over the summer and I've always done prom hair," she said. "Since I started working at the high school, I've gotten close to some students and view it differently now and want to do it for fun."
Kendall Reid, a special education teacher at BNL said the money raised will help buy decorations, snacks, pay for a DJ and gift bags for the special needs students who attend.
"We're very appreciative of Shelby doing this," Reid said. "Our special needs prom is to give our kids an opportunity to dance and have a night like any other kid. They have fun and they love it."
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BNL has 40 students in three self-contained special ed classes. The other classes are taught by Stacey Sparks and Dan Borowski. General education students volunteer at the special needs prom and Reid said integrating the students enhances the experience.
"We do have some general ed students who come to our prom and the bonding they get to have makes it a special night," he said.
The special needs prom will be in the BNL cafeteria from 6-8 p.m. April 22. The theme is Mardi Gras,
The hairy details
All students must have an appointment. Hair will be styled in the dressing room of the BNL Performing Arts Center. Appointments will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Girls can see her at school or parents can send email to brazzells@nlcs.k12.in.us to make an appointment.
In addition to helping the special needs students, she hopes the effort eases some of the financial strain of going to prom.
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"I went to school with kids who didn't have enough money for prom, so, for me, it's about letting everyone have the same experience and helping the special needs department at the same time," Brazzell said. "Even though I'm not getting anything, I am getting something."
Brazzell has recruited three other hairstylists who will also donate their time that day.
"We tell them to come in with an inspiration photo and we'll do the rest," she said.
Contact Times-Mail Staff Writer Carol Johnson at cjohnson@tmnews.com or 812-277-7252.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Indiana sub teacher donates time to raise money for special needs prom
