Greenwood nail salon celebrates ten year milestone
Greenwood Academy celebrated the ten year anniversary of Lovilicious last week – their in-house nail salon, first created in 2014.
The celebration event took place at the school on Friday 22 November and welcomed current and previous pupils as well as special guests.
North Ayrshire Provost Councillor Anthea Dickson attended the celebration joined by Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald OBE and representatives from Ayrshire Chamber and other businesses impacted by The Skills Academy project within the local secondary school.
The idea for Lovilicious first came from a pupil Harriett, a hearing child born to deaf parents who wanted to improve her communications skills and develop her hobby of beauty and nails.
Quote: Alongside other initiatives such as our bicycle repair shop ‘Gear Up’, GEM Barista, ‘Brother Wood’ furniture upcycling and our latest construction project in partnership with Ayrshire College, Lovilicious was our very first structured initiative for young people to prepare them for the world of work. With the vital support from Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire, we are proud to have supported over 300 pupils to gain transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and leadership via Lovilicious and other projects.
Quote from: Mrs Katy Hegarty, Greenwood Academy Headteacher
The Provost shared: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this inspiring employability programme. The school’s enthusiasm and willingness to pilot this project suggested by a pupil, is most commendable. The commitment of staff to ensure it develops and is sustainable proves its value.
“It was heart-warming learning just how much of an impact Lovilicious has had on former pupils lives and is continuing to have here on our future workforce. it is amazing to learn that from this, other schools have been inspired to start their very own projects too.
“I look forward to seeing more Skills Academy classes grow over the next ten years. I am most impressed by the talented individuals who have demonstrated their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Well done to everyone involved in this important project at the heart of the curriculum.”
The celebration closed with a speech from special guest Walter Smith MBE, Business Ambassador from Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire - an initiative to help and grow the potential of local young people.
Walter who has been involved since the start said: “Lovilicious was where Greenwood’s idea of The Skills Academy originally came from. It was also the pilot project for our own Innovative Schools Projects initiative.
“It is clear that the project contributes significantly to the curriculum, developing vital pathways to learning where young people are empowered to learn to an industry standard. Being involved gives our young people a real positive edge when they step out into the world of work.
“It has been my honour and privilege to have been involved in The Skills Academy and helping Lovilicious in its journey since its humble beginnings – established with startup funds of £50 from the headteacher at the time.
“Since 2014, this pioneering project - the first of its kind - has gained momentum, turning from a simple classroom into a thing of beauty. From a small acorn, a large oak tree has grown...
“I look forward to many more years and I’d like to share my gratitude to teacher Gaynor who has been the most constant feature of the Lovilicious project over the past ten years as she continues to innovate and ensure the nail salon evolves year on year. Without her, none of this would be possible.”
Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, Councillor Shaun Macaulay added: “This flagship project has now resulted in over 120 active innovative school initiatives being established in every secondary and ASN school across Ayrshire.
“Not only is the project benefiting pupils, it is having an impact on the wider school community. Funds raised from the loyal customer base has also enabled Greenwood to donate bikes to local primaries and raise money for the school fund for trips and other recreational activities.
“Congratulations to the pupils and teachers who have shown their dedication over the past ten years.”
Published: 28 November 2024