BY: KASSANDRA DZIKEWICZ
Courtney Holmes is not your typical barber – he is a role model to the children of his community. With school resuming in the upcoming weeks he has taken initiative in preparing children for the first day back. He has been cutting hair in exchange for a reading by the students. As a father of two, Holmes knows the importance of encouraging young ones to read and knows that not all parents share this sense of encouragement. As many young children feel self conscious about reading aloud, what better way to start the school year than a fresh new hair cut and a little practice with reading.
As many young children feel self conscious about reading aloud what better way to start the school year than a fresh new hair cut and a little practice with reading.
The concept started at a back to school event in Comiskey Park, where non profit organizations gather to support kids in getting ready to go back to school. Holmes started with a few kids, and before he knew it there was a line of over 20 kids getting ready to read a story in exchange for a new look. At the end of the event there were still kids in line so he decided to give out vouchers for them to come back to the salon to read to him and receive their hair cut.
Holmes tells USA TODAY, “The kids would come in, and I would say, ‘Go to the table and get a book you might like, and if you can’t read it, I’ll help you understand and we can read it together.'”
Holmes hopes to continue this initiative as a monthly event at the salon. He has also been receiving books from people who want to help keep the movement alive. “There’s a lot going on in the world. But it only takes one person to change something. I am just trying to make a difference,” said Holmes.
Holmes hopes to continue this initiative as a monthly event at the salon. He has also been receiving books from people who want to help keep the movement alive.
Mike Burley/ telegraph Herald
