On August 3, 2026, Drake State hosted its annual Back to School Bash, offering free hair care services to the community as students gear up for the new school year. The event has become a beloved late-summer tradition, drawing families ready to send their kids back to class looking and feeling their best.

Attendees had their pick of styles and services, including standard haircuts, braids, two-strand twists, and silk presses. While waiting for their transformations, guests could also treat themselves to express facials and manicures, courtesy of Drake State’s Salon Management-Cosmetology students and instructors.

Dr. Bertha Robinson, a Salon Management-Cosmetology Instructor at Drake State, helped lead the effort.

“We’re here for the Back to School Hair Care event,” Robinson said. “We have an operation doing haircuts, box braids, two strand twists, silk presses, and mini express facials and manicures. Also, this event is to help families cut the cost for back to school, and just generally give back to the community.”

Students from Drake State’s Barbering program were on hand as well, getting hands-on experience while serving the community. Paul Reichelderfer, a Barbering student, said the event reflects exactly why he got into the trade.

“I chose to be a barber because I’d like to be a small business owner one day, and I always thought that this would be a fun craft to get into,” Reichelderfer said. “I love the atmosphere that you typically find at a great barbershop, and I hope to replicate that and give back to the community.”

Once their new looks were complete, attendees left with Drake State goodie bags stocked with school supplies for the year ahead. Outside, the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill added to the festive, community-cookout atmosphere.

Giving back to the community is at the heart of what Drake State does, and the college is grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Back to School Bash a success. See you next year!