Kindergarten teacher Azel “Zel” Prather Jr. is showing his students that feeling cared for can be just as important as what they learn in the classroom. In Washington, D.C., Zel created a special “Holiday Hook-up” self-care day for 40 kindergarten students, bringing in hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians, and other volunteers to give the children a day of pampering and encouragement.

Zel said he wanted his students to know that someone genuinely sees and cares about them, both inside and outside the classroom. With fingernail polish, brushes, combs, hair bows, beads, and plenty of smiles, the volunteers helped the children feel special. The reactions from the students showed just how meaningful the experience was.

Parents were also grateful, with Zel explaining that some families may not have the financial resources or simply may not have enough time for these kinds of activities. His philosophy is simple: “If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you do good.” For Zel, the goal was simply to help his students feel confident, happy, and celebrated during the holidays.

Now in his fourth year as a kindergarten teacher, Zel is also the executive director of The Prather Foundation, which works to provide young people from underserved communities with resources and opportunities to become successful leaders. His foundation also hosts an annual “Zelf on the Shelf” Toy Drive, partnering with schools to provide holiday gifts. What an incredible reminder that sometimes a little extra care can make a child feel truly seen. ❤️