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Choffin seniors showcase their styling skills
YOUNGSTOWN
Seventeen senior students showcased their skills Thursday afternoon at Choffin Career and Technical Center’s Hair Show.
“This gives us a chance to have our seniors practice prom hairstyles and show off what they’ve learned to the public,” said instructor Stephanie Berarducci. “People can come in and get a chance to try out what our program has to offer, tour our classrooms and just have fun with our students.”
Berarducci bubbled with excitement explaining each student’s success story with those in attendance.
Senior student Ny’Asha Patterson said her success in the program comes from hard work and dedication.
“You have to be on it everyday,” she said. “You have to be here every day, no breaks, and [you] can’t miss class.”
Students’ hard work comes easily because of their passion.
“I just like cutting hair,” said student Destiny Richardson. “It’s calming to me. It’s what I like to do.”
By liking what she does, Ny’Asha said she learned to have a high confidence level.
“I used to be nervous to do people’s hair – I didn’t want to mess it up,” she said. “You have to own it, though.”
Berarducci and part-time instructor Candice LaRocca said their passions began in their doll days.
“It started out with my Barbies,” LaRocca said. “I grew up in a beauty salon and I would always be styling their hair.”
Berarducci loved styling her Julie Doll.
The most prevalent factor in students’ success in the cosmetology program, however, comes from their warm, friendly manners.
“I love just having clients and meeting new people everyday,” Ny’Asha said.
Robert Diaz, cosmetology program advisory board member, and LaRocca said students and faculty in the program are more engaged with both one another and their clientele than ever before.
“It gives a nice feel that so many of [the students] have this interest,” Diaz said.
Those who share this interest can attend the cosmetology program, which requires 1,500 hours of work including both lab and classroom time.
For information, contact Choffin at 330-744-8700.
The salon is open for business – with prices that range from $6 to $30 – Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays from 12:40 to 2 p.m.