COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dozens of people filled the barber chairs at Ridge View High School to help raise money for the Gabbiee Swainson Scholarship.
In August of 2012, 15-year-old Swainson was kidnapped and murdered. She attended Richland School District 2 high school and years later they are continuing to keep her memory alive.
"The Cuts for Gabbiee Fundraiser is in our tenth year in action to commemorate one of our lost students, her life was unfortunately taken," says Carlos Howard, Barber Instructor at Ridge View.
Howard didn't get to know Gabbiee but he spent his Sunday cutting hair alongside 9 other barbers for $5 or a generous donation, to make sure students at Ridge View get a chance to go to college.
One of those students is Ashley Hubbard who received last year's scholarship.
"I was thankful and blessed, it definitely has benefited me to my tuition at the University of South Carolina," says Hubbard. "In fact, I decided to split the money between my tuition directly and the rest in the investment of my company."
"I think it's great when you consider the rising cost of tuition. Scholarship money is always an awesome thing, it's a great way to honor someone and to see that others have opportunities," she added.
During the four-hour event, the barbers spent shaping the perfect cut, but Howard wants those who couldn't come out to know they still have time to help.
"We also have a way for the public to sign up for ongoing services, we will continue it throughout the week, so it's something they can sign up for as a continued effort to raise money," Howard says.
Persons wanting to contribute through hair cuts can make appointments with the Ridge View Master Hair Care Program through the school's Career & Technology Education Department