Barber Mike Shelton wanted to encourage a young customer to work hard in school, so he struck a deal with him.
“If you come back to me in a few months with your report card and you have straight A’s, then I will cut your hair for life for free,” he told him. So 9-year-old Kamarian Fox took him up on the offer. Shelton told WJZY that he had almost forgotten about the challenge when Kamarian walked back into Next Level Barbershop in Gastonia, N.C., earlier this month.

This was Kamarian’s first time making all As’, but he doesn’t seem ready to slow his progress. “You shouldn’t have to be rewarded to get good grades,” he said. Kamarian’s mother Cameron, a single mother, told ABC News that she appreciates the positive influence Shelton has had. “I just appreciate his open arms and making us feel welcome, and giving Kamarian something to look forward to,” she said. “It’s just awesome.”

Shelton was so impressed by Kamarian’s dedication that he not only gave him the free haircut, he also encouraged others to congratulate the fourth-grader. He posted a photo of the pair on Facebook, encouraging others to share the story so he could show Kamarian the support that comes with good grades.

The barber hopes that Kamarian’s success inspires others to invest themselves in young people’s education.

“You never know, you can be that spark on one young person’s life,” Shelton told ABC News. “He could be the next president. He could be the person that changes the world.”