The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is approaching. As tribute to emergency responders, Paul Mitchell the School Huntsville is offering complimentary haircuts during “Haircuts for Heroes.”

Lesley Williams, left, and learning leader Mirandy McClellan assist a client at Paul Mitchell the School Huntsville.

The school, located at 3810 Sullivan St., Suite E in Madison, will honor all rescue workers — firefighters, police, veterans and military personnel — with a free haircut on Sept. 12-14.

“At Paul Mitchell schools, we feel the lesson we all learned from 9/11 was unity,” admissions leader Whitney Whited said. “To unite in showing our appreciation, patriotism and gratitude, we were all asked to plan something special in our school.”

The school in Madison “feels the best way to do that is to reach out locally, and that’s how Haircuts for Heroes came about.”

Paul Mitchell plans to observe 9/11 annually “to keep alive the lessons we learned and in honor of the brave individuals who lost their lives,” Whited said. Some schools have hosted fundraising events for local police, firefighters, their widows and orphans funds and even rescue dogs. Other schools have held special in-school tributes or memorials that day.

“We’re so excited for the ‘Madison Record’ to help us spread the word to the rest of the community and first responders,” Whited said.

Like most Americans, Whited recalls where she was on Sept 11, 2001 — in Coach Bell’s eighth-grade science class at Plainview School in Rainsville. “I remember that horrific day all too well. Someone came running into the classroom to tell us to turn the news on.”

“With the rest of my classmates, I watched as the events of that day unfolded, including the falling of the towers,” she said. “I will never forget those terrifying moments.”

Currently, Paul Mitchell the School Huntsville has 75 students and nine instructors. The public can schedule appointments on Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

First responders can schedule an appointment by calling 256-464-8886 or visit pmtshuntsville.com.

For upcoming events, visit Facebook/PaulMitchelltheSchoolHuntsville. For enrollment inquiries, call Whited at 256-464-8886, ext. 5827. For general information, visit paulmitchell.edu.