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Jackson Cosmetology Students Compete For Regional Honors
By Lauren Puglisi
 | | --Photo By Lauren Puglisi Jackson cosmetology students competed against schools throughout New Jersey at the Brick Center for the National Skills USA regional competition. |
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High school students learn to cut, dye and style hair all before graduation in the cosmetology program at the Ocean County Vocational-Technical School's (OCVTS) Jackson location.
Last Saturday, select students were given the opportunity to show off their talents at the National Skills USA regional competition. Over 250 vocational students throughout New Jersey competed at the OCTVS' Brick Center for placement in regional honors.
Cosmetology students were divided into two groups. First level students with less than 500 hours of experience were separated from the second levels, which were made up of advanced students with two or more years of training.
"All of the vocational schools in the area chose four of their best students to participate in today's competition. Of those people, the judges will then select final winners to move onto the state rulings this spring," said Nina Piccininni, a post secondary student at the vo-tech School's Jackson location.
Judges from Studio Salon, Roots, Super Cuts and Great Clips watched and scored the students' accuracy in duplicating hairstyles on their demonstration models. The vo-tech experience has helped the students better their skills.
"Being in the vocational program in Jackson has been a great experience. I've learned to cut, die, perm and blowout so many popular hairstyles," Catherine Cichetti, a second level vocational student, said.
According to Josephine Campisano, cosmetology instructor at Jackson, advanced level students are given the opportunity to work with real clients every Friday afternoon.
"I like the fact that I've started to build some of the same loyal clients that request for me to do their hair on a weekly basis," Piccininni said. "The price is also really affordable. People usually are only charged for the fee of the product used in their hair."
Nina Fulton, a first level cosmetology student, had friends and family supporting her in the audience during the judging. Her mother said the course fits right in with Nina's personality.
"Nina always had a creative edge about her. When she told us that she wanted to take cosmetology classes, we encouraged her to pursue whatever it was that made her happy, and so far she really likes the program," Mrs. Fulton said.
Rebecca Furman and Sabrina Vanglahn, both first year cosmetology students at Jackson, attended the event to watch some of their peers that were selected to compete.
"Sabrina and I have always been artistic; we love creative writing and are thinking about going to college for English. We decided to learn to style hair because it is something that interested us and could always practice in the future," Fruman said.
While receiving top placements in the day's competition was on the minds of all of the contending students, girls in the second level class found themselves talking about life after vocational school.
"After we graduate and get more experience, we want to open our own salons," Cichetti and Piccininni agreed.
Cindy Eden said that she wanted to pursue a more unique career path after her time at Jackson vocational school ends.
"My sister and I want to open a hair salon with an attached massage therapy studio, this way we both can put our different experiences together in running a business," Eden said.
At the conclusion of the event, students looking for positions or scholarships for further schooling opportunities were given the chance to talk with Fred Gan, the owner of Great Clips Hair Salon, for career advice.
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