Back-to-school is a time of excitement, anticipation of the year ahead, and also – as parents know – much preparation. For many of the children who are part of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Maryland, many from single-parent families or grappling with challenging circumstances, the time can be a daunting or lonely one. Pervasive commercials of the latest clothing for the “hip” kid and a litany of new school supplies are not always exciting. For four Little Sisters, however, the school year was off to a memorable and glamorous start thanks to BBBS and local businesses.

 
 Starting with the nails – BBBS Photo

Days before schools started back, four Little Sisters of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland Mentoring and Lexington Park CASASTART programs learned lessons in etiquette, self-care, and dressing for success as they received the ultimate makeover in preparation of the new school year.  Michelle, Karilynne, Krissy and Tiffany were shown the generosity of local sponsors through makeovers, lunch, school supply and clothing shopping. Kaylan Somerville, Director of Development, said, “Ladies you are rich for one day.  Work hard and stay focused and you may very well live like this everyday.”

The day started with a team of cosmetic professionals from Mary Kay, Jan Hayden, Lisa Wright and Beverly Yowell who provided the girls full pampering including skin care, manicures and haircuts. They were encouraged to maintain healthy hygiene, an age-appropriate appearance and to let their inner beauty shine radiant.  The ladies left the Mary Kay center smiling from ear to ear carrying their goody bags with lip gloss, picture frames and fragrant lotions.  

With a new look and a vibrant feel, the girls moved on to Target and Wal-Mart, where each store donated funds for the Little Sisters to choose school supplies and the necessities allowing them to return to school with an equal start to their classmates. 

The next stop was the Tides Restaurant which opened exclusively for the girls, their Big Sisters, Tiffany Hayden, and Leah Cullins and BBBS-SM/CASASTART staff Kimberly McClane and Kaylan Somerville. Upon arrival the group was greeted by the general manager Dorothy Whitehead, and at lunch the girls were grateful for star treatment and fine cuisine of salad and pizza. 

 
With Jerry Dillard of Lexington Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep
– The Bay Net Photo by Anna Bedford

Between bites the girls busily chatted about their first manicures, boyfriends, family life and goals for the upcoming year, surrounded by the sound of a calming waterfall, while learning first-hand proper restaurant etiquette from their Big Sisters and BBBS staff.

It was over lunch that it began to dawn on the young ladies how much the community banded together to make their day special and to help make their future brighter.  They were amazed that members of the community not only donated their time but their products and services too.

With this in mind, as they started back on the road, the girls decided to delay the next exiting shopping stop in order to make a special visit to Lexington Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership to personally thank the staff and general manager, Jerry Dillard, for their charitable contributions that