October 13, 2026 – Decatur Public Schools partnered with Elevations Barber Shop for the fifth annual Mustang Cutz event, providing free haircuts to students at Muffley Elementary School ahead of Picture Day.
The annual initiative helps students look and feel their best before school pictures. Tana Link, principal secretary at Muffley Elementary, helped launch Mustang Cutz in 2022 in partnership with Elevations Barber Shop.
“If our kids look good, they feel good- that’s always been my slogan,” Link said.
What began as a simple idea has grown into an annual tradition. Students can receive a free haircut by returning a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.
“I just thought if we connected the two, with giving the kids a haircut so they can look good for the pictures, that they would smile in their pictures just like we do,” Link explained.
Elevations Barber Jerry Cole said he and his staff look forward to donating their time each year to support local students.
“The best thing we can do is give back. Unfortunately, a lot of kids really can’t afford it. So, when we can give back, they appreciate it,” Cole said.
Cole and two other barbers provided haircuts from 8 a.m. to noon, helping students prepare for Picture Day.
Beyond helping students look their best, Cole said the experience can also make a difference in how they feel about themselves.
“What we do is raise their confidence. So anytime anyone has a haircut, it’s a confidence booster,” Cole added.
