May 2, 2014
COM cosmetology student Brianna Birdwell adds shimmer to Bryanna Molina’s eyes in preparation for the Clear Brook High School senior’s prom.COM cosmetology student Marco Hinojosa completes her look with a shimmer eyeliner.College of the Mainland cosmetology student Bailey Jenkins arranges Clear Springs High School senior Dea McFeron’s hair for prom.

Clear Brook High School senior Bryanna Molina has faced many challenges this year – her health problems, family struggles, her father's layoff.

For one night, however, none of it will matter as she transforms into a princess for prom. From the Assistance League of the Bay Area Operation Cinderella’s collection, Molina selected a donated dress – a glittering, sky-blue gown. To complete her look, College of the Mainland cosmetology students gave her and five other girls makeovers before the special night.

“I feel really pretty,” said Molina, 18, of Friendswood, as she surveyed the abundant curls that COM student Amber Vega arranged. “I honestly wasn’t planning on being around here for prom. (When I found out about Operation Cinderella), it was really surreal. It’s really nice that all these people are helping me.”
 
Her mother and aunt came to the full-service Salon at College of the Mainland at 15009 Delaney Rd. in La Marque to enjoy her special day with her.
 
“It’s been a rough year. We’ll get through it,” said her mother, Cordelia. "This helps."
 
Vega added the finishing spray to Molina's hair.
 
“I decided to volunteer as soon as they told us about it. I wanted to help people out,” said Vega, who works at the COM salon when it is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays. “I’ve wanted to (be a stylist) since I was younger and did my sister’s hair.”
 
Each girl and her stylist collaborate, with the help of Internet photos, to create her dream look, from towering hair to glittering toes.
 
“I saw this hairstyle online and thought that no other can even come close,” said Clear Springs High School senior Dea McFeron, who works at Sears after school.
 
After three hours of COM student Bailey Jenkins shampooing, conditioning, straightening and styling, McFeron’s hair looks fresh from the 1960s. Jenkins tops it with a diamond and pearl tiara.
 
“I feel wonderful,” said McFeron, surveying her reflection in the mirror. “Thank you for doing it.”
 
Sarah Robinson, president of the COM Cosmetology Club, volunteered to help give the high school students a day of princess treatment.
 
“I try to get involved with anything I can,” she explained. She said that the club also plans to offer a “Day of Beauty” for women at a local shelter in June.
 
After Molina’s hair is complete, COM student Brianna Birdwell does her makeup in a subtle shimmer. Molina’s aunt Veronica Polhemus observes, grateful for the students work and Project Cinderella.
 
“Without it," she said. "A lot of girls wouldn’t be able to do (prom)."
 
For more information about the COM Cosmetology Program or the Salon at College of the Mainland, visit www.com.edu/cosmetology or call 409-933-8480.