Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins clearly remembers the very first time he attended a Greenville High School graduation in 2017.
“I always like to ask each senior what their plans are for the future, and I remember so many of the students telling me they wanted to go to cosmetology school,” Liggins said. “We did some research to confirm the student interest and into the possibility of having our own cosmetology program at the high school. And now we’re so proud that our first group of students are pursuing a certificate that will allow them to graduate as a certified cosmetologist. I can’t wait to shake these seniors hands as they cross the stage and ask them about their plans for the future and hear them say ‘I start my new job as a professional cosmetologist next week, or I will attend a university in the fall but plan to work this summer in a salon to save money for college.’ This program, like so many of our Career and Technical Education courses, is changing the trajectory of our students’ lives and giving them options that they did not have before.”
It all happens at the Lair Salon at Greenville High School, where cosmetology instructor Shawnda Rodgers says her students have hit the ground running.
Click here to view photos of the cosmetology class 
“My students are going to learn how to multitask just like in a real salon and learn all the skills that will help them to expand and build their business,” she said. “I want to empower them to be good members of society and teach them a skill that can immediately support them or provide a way to pay for college.”
While expertly rolling her mannequin’s hair into a glamorous “updo,” Junior Faith Hocutt describes cosmetology as “a light in my life” and “one of the reasons I love to come to school.”
“My teacher is the greatest. She helps me in other areas and is such a great role model. I love being in here and excited to keep going,” Faith said.
Junior Saniia Coleman says she said she practically grew up in her mother’s hair salon, and she’s enjoying learning about both the beauty techniques and business strategies.
“My mom is a hair stylist and owns a shop in Greenville,” Saniia said. “She really encouraged me to be in this program. I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps.”
Students who graduate in the program will have an endorsement in business and graduate with a license in cosmetology from the state of Texas.
The long-term dream is to open the Lair Salon to the public, where customers can enjoy the following treatments:
- Haircuts
- Color & highlights
- Waxing – face & upper body
- Lashes – extensions, tenting and perming
- Roller sets
- Facials
- Manicures & pedicures
Students have all just recently received their Barbicide Certification in proper sanitation and disinfection practices and procedures, as well as the Barbicide COVID-19 Certification.
To learn more about the GISD Cosmetology program, email Shawnda Rodgers at rodgerss@greenvilleisd.com.
