9/11 Tributes 2009

Every year since the 9/11 tragedy, Paul Mitchell Schools have held special events in remembrance of the lives lost that day. “The lesson we learned from 9/11 was unity,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “Each year, we unite in showing our appreciation, patriotism, and gratitude by planning something special in every school.”

Following are just a few examples of this year’s September 11 tributes:

* In California, Paul Mitchell The School – Costa Mesa established a widows and orphans foundation for local firefighters and has raised money for that organization every year.

* Paul Mitchell The School – Sherman Oaks dressed in red, white, and blue and decked out their meeting room with matching balloons and streamers. They presented songs, poems, and 9/11 reflections, followed by a continental breakfast.

* In Illinois, Trend Setters College of Cosmetology – A Paul Mitchell Partner School delivered baked goods and thank-you cards to their local fire and police departments.

* In Maryland, The Temple – A Paul Mitchell Partner School started the day with Maya Angelou’s poem about September 11, followed by a “Where were you that day?” activity. They ended their day by taking goody bags full of Tea Tree products to their local firehouses.

* In Connecticut, North Haven Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School had a visit from their fire chief, who talked about what it was like that day. Future Professionals and staff paid $2 to wear red, white, and blue shirts and donated the money to the fire department.

* In Michigan, Paul Mitchell The School – Sterling Heights offered free haircuts and styles to all servicemen and women on 9/11, including a group of local firefighters who came to the school in their fire truck.

* In New Hampshire, Michael’s School of Hair Design and Aesthetics – A Paul Mitchell Partner School donated $400 to New England K-9 Search and Rescue League. Nancy Lyon, chairperson and organizer of the group, came to the school to do a presentation and live demonstration with her rescue dog, Haven.

In memory of the 9/11 victims who spent their last moments calling their loved ones to say “I love you” one last time, nearly every school invited Future Professionals and staff members to pull out their cell phones and call someone to say “I love you.”

“The spirit was high and the atmosphere was charged with compassion, love, and unity,” said Sherman Oaks School Director Stella Davis. “There were tears, hugs, and gratitude for the gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”