Coatesville students are making special connections with the Coatesville VA Medical Center by providing haircuts to the veterans, writes staff for The Daily Local News.

The students are pulled from both Coatesville Area Intermediate and Senior High School and are enrolled in barbering classes at the Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS).  

Both the students and veterans benefit from the program. The students learn how to refine both their technical and social skills and the vets gain valuable interaction with the younger generation. 

“Students truly gain firsthand insight into the diverse needs and experiences of their clients,” said Drew Givler, a Barbering Instructor at TCHS. “As students have a chance to talk with veterans, I think they gain an appreciation for community service and the importance of giving back, and I believe that instills a sense of civic responsibility and compassion.” 

This partnership first emerged when TCHS and the VA Hospital wanted to help veterans get ready for their annual ball.  

“Having a regular haircut is something our Veterans look forward to and it is important to have youth interacting with our Veterans,” said Jennifer Lilly, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the VA Hospital. “They can learn from one another, and we are happy to be a part of the teaching process for the barber students.” 

Read more about the partnership between TCHS and the Coatesville VA Medical Center at The Daily Local News. 

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