Hannah Villa got the treatment of her life, courtesy of the staff at Don Roberts Beauty School in Schererville, Indiana. This night was the Special Needs Prom, and Hannah – along with several other area students – were queued up to receive that Don Roberts treatment, and all for free.
Aimee Mosantos – “Mo” for short – spent eight years in the Indiana Army National Guard and currently works as marketing coordinator for Don Roberts Beauty Schools.
“Today’s event was the brainchild of Chris Gulley,” said Mo. “He is a member of our marketing team here and he made some contacts, and we decided that we wanted to offer makeovers – hair, makeup, and nails, the full deal – for the special needs prom which will be held tonight at Lowell HS.”
Prom is one of those special moments in most peoples’ lives. It’s often an experience long remembered and seldom forgotten. From picking out just the perfect dress, to spending time with your friends and dancing to your favorite songs, prom night is magical.
“This is the first time we’ve done this at this location,” said Janet Stemmer, owner of the Schererville location. “The special needs prom has been around for several years now, but this is the first time we’re offering this.”
Though usually held on a Friday, this year’s prom was scheduled for Sunday.
Beauty school students from both the Valparaiso and Schererville beauty school campuses volunteered their time and talents on a wonderful, sunny Sunday, offering to come in to do makeovers for special needs students going to the prom.
The free makeovers offer was extended to boys as well as girls. Even the parents were encouraged to get a new ‘do since parents of special needs children often accompany their children to the prom.
“This is exciting for all involved. They’re having a great time on both sides,” Moe said. “Everyone is getting to know each other and it’s just wonderful. This is a terrific way for us to help give the best high school memories for these kids, to help them interact with others and help with their social growth.”
Stemmer is very proud of the outreach that the beauty school does in the community.
“We do Brownie camps, nursing and assisted living homes and other things throughout the year. We help the Brownies get their hygiene badges. It’s great for them, and it’s good experience for our students as well,” said Stemmer
The special needs prom has been around for a few years, rotating between different venues over the years, with this year’s prom being held in Lowell.
Hannah was there with her mother Michele to get a makeover. This is her second time going to prom, and she couldn’t be more excited.
“I’m going to dance and listen to music… it’s great! And they have snacks, and some of my friends will be there too,” said Hannah. “I feel pretty.”
Hannah says her favorite subjects art, history, and gym, but mostly she’s looking forward to summer vacation.
Lisa Collins works as an enrollment specialist at Don Roberts Valparaiso location and currently lives in Lowell.
“I’ve worked there 17 years. It’s a true family business,” said Collins, who has 2 daughters attending Lowell HS.
“My daughter Tori does peer mentoring with the special needs high school, and we thought that it would be a really great idea to offer this. We have the resources, we have the facilities and we have terrific students, so it’s natural to us. It’s a way for us to pamper these girls and help them have a night to remember.”
About 12 special needs students stopped by, and Collins hopes that next year’s event will be even bigger, with plans to increase awareness and outreach for the program.
“All the girls had a great time,” said Collins, as the last of the students left on the way to their special night. “Even some of the moms here let us give them makeovers, too. Overall, this was just a wonderful time. It was an honor meeting all these terrific kids, and I’m very grateful to our students for helping us to make this possible.”