Aldine ISD End Of Year 2023-24

FEATURE

AISD NEWS

CLIPPERS AND CONVERSATIONS: A STUDENT-TEACHER VENTURE

holds profound significance. He empha sizes the importance of equipping young minds with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his motivation, Smith emphasizes the dire need to bridge the gap between class room education and real-world appli cation, particularly for the underserved communities he serves as a teacher. He stresses the transformative potential of hands-on learning, envisioning a future where students build businesses and revitalize their communities through newfound skills and knowledge. Throughout their journey, Smith has witnessed Zach’s transformation from a beginner to a proficient tradesman and aspiring entrepreneur. Despite initial challenges, Zach’s ambition and recep tiveness to guidance propelled him. As a mentor figure similar to a father figure, Smith takes pride in Zach’s growth, remembering the gratification from witnessing his development over time. Beyond the immediate goal of launching Exclusive Fadez, Smith emphasizes the broader mission of preparing students for the complexities of life beyond academia. “It’s not just about passing them through school,” he asserts, “but about making a tangible impact in our community and in the lives of our youth.” Through their collaborative efforts, Smith and Zach are sowing seeds of empowerment and self-sufficiency, nur turing a generation of individuals poised to thrive in an ever-changing world, one hammer, install, appointment, and haircut at a time.

can engage in candid conversations about life’s challenges and triumphs. Henry’s journey to entrepreneurship is deeply intertwined with the support and guidance he received from his father, and business partner, Mr. Peter Smith. Reflecting on his upbringing, Henry credits his father for instilling in him not just the skills of barbering but also the values of hard work. His collaboration with Smith has blossomed into a dynam ic partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. Henry chuckled when asked about his and Smiths’ relation ship, “Smith is my dog.” Smith stood in the background smiling while nodding his head. Together, they envision the barbershop as more than just a business but as a vehicle for meaningful change in the lives of those they serve. With a commitment to community-building at its core, Henry’s ultimate ambition is to evolve the barbershop model, expanding its reach and impact to empower even more individuals on their personal and professional journeys. Peter Smith, the veteran educator at Eisenhower High School and plumber, electrician, cabinet maker, and wall fin isher, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Henry’s vision of opening a barbershop, embodying the essence of mentorship and hands-on guidance. It all began when Zach shared his dream of obtain ing a barber license and founding his own establishment during one of Smith’s astronomy classes. Recognizing the po tential in Zach’s dream, Smith embarked on a voyage of community empower ment, imparting business insight and

In a story that blends sports, education, and entrepreneurship, the journey of former Eisenhower High School quarter back and standout student Zacchaeus Henry takes a remarkable turn. Teaming up with Peter Smith, a respected Physics and Astronomy teacher at Eisenhower, Henry embarked on an inspiring venture that transcends the traditional paths of the student-teacher relationship. Their partnership culminated in establishing a unique barbershop, Exclusive Fadez, located at 4444 Cypress Creek Park way. Their partnership is not just about grooming hair but about promoting community and creating opportunities. Henry’s journey into opening his bar bershop extends far beyond personal ambition; it’s rooted in a deep desire to impact his community positively. Beyond simply pursuing self-goals and carving out a career path, Henry’s vision encom passes a broader mission: to inspire and uplift the youth while supporting local entrepreneurs. He sees his barbershop not just as a place for haircuts but as a hub for promoting a positive mindset and effecting meaningful change within the community. Henry aims to create a space where “individuals from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and collectively strive for prog ress by providing a platform for dialogue and connection.” As a former standout quarterback, Henry understands the sig nificance of community spaces in bridg ing divides and fostering understanding. He views the barbershop as a unique avenue for outreach, where individuals ranging from police officers to athletes

practical skills essential for realizing Zach’s vision. From conceptualizing the layout to rewiring the en tire suite, Smith has been instrumental in trans forming an old space into a vibrant new barbershop named Exclusive Fadez. For Smith, whose teach ing tenure spans over three decades, promoting entrepreneurial oppor tunities for his students

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