WGTC Cosmetology Students Help Pathways Clients Shine at Night to Shine Prom

LAGRANGE, GA – Students in the Cosmetology program at West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) recently partnered with Pathways Service Center in LaGrange to help clients prepare for Nightto Shine, a prom event held at Western Heights Baptist Church. As part of the partnership, WGTC students provided pampering services to help attendees feel confident and ready for their special night, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Pathways Service Center offers a range of services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), including Community Access Group, Community Access Individual, Prevocational Services, and Supported Employment. These programs help individuals build skills, explore their communities, and maintain employment.

Approximately 13 ladies attended this year’s prom and received special pampering from WGTC cosmetology students before the event. According to Sievee Pinkney, I/DD Community Services Manager for Pathways in LaGrange, the experience was meaningful for everyone involved.

“Truly, this opportunity was memorable for all the clients,” said Pinkney. “They had a chance to see themselves in a positive light. You could tell by the smiles on their faces that it meant something to be pampered.”

Seventeen WGTC cosmetology students participated as part of their classwork and lab credits under the guidance of instructors Rebecca Knowles and Becky Mulkey. Students provided nail polishing services for most attendees, along with a complete haircut and style for one client and braids for another.

“The smiles on the ladies’ faces were truly breathtaking and made the experience incredibly meaningful for our students,” said Knowles. “A couple of the ladies even showed us a few dance moves before they left, which brought so much joy and excitement to the students.”

In addition to practicing technical skills, students gained valuable experience working with members of the community.

“This experience allowed our students to develop compassion, patience, and a deeper understanding of the heartfelt joy that comes from working with individuals who may have mental health conditions,” Knowles said. “It reinforced the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect while offering the very best through our talents, skills, and service.”

The partnership also reflects the Cosmetology program’s mission to serve the community while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

“This experience inspired our students to serve the community through professionalism, compassion, and hands-on learning,” Knowles said. “Working with these wonderful ladies strengthened their understanding of service beyond the classroom and sparked a passion for working with the public. Many students are already looking forward to participating again.”

Knowles said she hopes to partner with Pathways again in the future to host another “Get Pampered Day.”

“It is always a pleasure to partner with Pathways and be part of an experience that allows our students to serve others while growing both professionally and personally,” Knowles said. “Events like this remind us that cosmetology is not only about beauty, but also about connection, compassion, and making a positive impact in our community.”

For more information about the Cosmetology program at West Georgia Technical College, visit www.westgatech.edu.