By Quinton R. Arthur
LANSING, Ill. (March 19, 2022) – Thornton Fractional District 215 has officially opened Lavish Cosmetology and Barber Studio. The inaugural cohort is comprised of district students, and was unveiled on Wednesday, March 16 at a grand opening ceremony.
According to the Career Development page on District 215’s website, graduates of the program are eligible to attain a professional license in cosmetology or barbering. Students complete 1500 clinical hours while in the program, which include weekday mornings, some weekends, and summer hours.
In the program, students learn essential salon and barbering services and techniques. They also learn business strategies such as customer service, client retention, salon retail, target marketing, and people skills.
The video below includes highlights from the grand opening on Wednesday, March 16:
District 215 Superintendent Dr. Sophia Jones-Redmond envisioned opening up the studio for the program.
“Introducing our scholars to this lucrative industry is how we and how you level the playing field for our students,” said Dr. Jones-Redmond.
District 215 School Board President Rita Oberman was one of the advocates for implementing the program in the new space. Oberman is an alumnus of a similar program, and participated during her junior and senior year of high school.
“I loved it, I love doing hair. I hope you find it as fulfilling,” said Oberman on Wednesday.
Armani Moore, a student in the inaugural cohort, is appreciative of all that she has learned so far. While the course takes up four periods including an early morning, she knows this will greatly impact her future.
“This program allow me to learn self-discipline and that no one can make you successful, you have to want to be successful,” said Moore.
During the opening ceremony, Assistant Superintendent John Robinzine recognized Avery Crudup, the student who came up with the name Lavish. Crudup maintains a 4.0 grade point average while in the program.
The name Lavish encapsulates what the experience will be in the studio: rich, elaborate, and luxurious.
Additional program benefits
While participating in the program, students will be able to earn dual credits, with a total of 47 credit hours counting towards a degree at South Suburban College. This means they can earn their associate degree in just one semester after graduating high school.
The program is supported by Aunt Martha’s Illinois Youth Investment Program. Through their participation, students earn $11 per hour as well as supplemental support and financial assistance. The organization provided the scrubs and crocs for the students.
In the future, the district plans to open the studio to adults in the evening.
Lavish Cosmetology & Barbering is located at TF North High School, 755 Pulaski Road.