COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Picture day at school is a big deal, marking the milestone of a new year and showcasing each child's growth and changes year after year. Most families hold on to the photos forever.  Columbus' United Preparatory Academy is making sure its students feel confident heading into picture day this week. On Saturday, it hosted its second Celebration of Hair.  Fourth graders Jaynie Whiteside and Queen Gatewood were among the many students that are now rocking new hairstyles.  "I got scalp braids with a weave and beads," Whiteside said.  "I have beads in my hair, and I have these little things in my hair and I got a bow," Gatewood said.  Fifteen hairstylists like Sharee Sharp donated their time to proivde the services free of charge to the students.  "I love being able to put smiles on kids' faces," Sharp said. "We're a family at UPrep, so I love it."  Sharp is a mother of three and her third grader is now ready for picture day.   "It make me feel good to know that he's going to have a big smile, his hair is cut up," Sharp said.  Meagan Ward is the school's Dean of Community and Family Engagement. She's also the one behind the event. She said she believes every child deserves to feel special and confident.   "Having self-confidence is the most beautiful thing,” she said. “It's so important and I don't think we focus enough on it. I think we need to instill that in kids a lot more. They deserve to feel beautiful."  According to Ward, the event has taken off. She said that last year, about 20 students got their hair done. This year, she said they helped close to 50.   "If I can reduce that financial burden for families, it's expensive to get your hair done," Ward said. "It's $100 or more each so if I can do that, I'm happy to do that."  Ward said she's happy to be part of a memory that students will have forever.  "They'll be able to go to the next grade and say, 'We get our hair done at UPrep' and that is important to me because they'll always carry that with them for the rest of their lives," Ward said. "And that's why we're here, so they know the school has their back forever."  The students echoed Ward's sentiment.  "I am extra excited for picture day because my hair is done and I don't have to worry about it," Gatewood said.  School leaders said providing these services completely changes the tone of picture day, and teaching self-love early on is important.  "I feel confident because my hair's done," Whiteside said. "I know I'm going to look good.”