Vernon starts cosmetology program

VERNON — Part of a school-wide effort to align academic programs with future career opportunities, Cosmetology makes a striking entrance as the latest addition to Vernon Township High School’s growing list of college credit-infused courses.
These new class offerings are tailored to specific 21st century careers and add appealing variety and volume to the high school portfolio, in a concentrated effort to prepare students for transitioning years of continued education and employment.
On the evening of Aug. 31, Vernon Township Superintendent Arthur DiBenedetto joined Dr. Jon Connolly and Dr. James Baker of Sussex County Community College (SCCC) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, supporting the implementation of the new Cosmetology program at Vernon Township High School. This new course has been designed to follow the extensive curriculum and rigorous training of a traditional cosmetology program, while affording high school students the opportunity to attain college credits and a possible license upon graduation. Together, members of Vernon Township School District and Sussex County Community College gathered to commemorate the academic partnership and to proudly snip the ribbon that marked the threshold of the program’s new “salon.” As visitors entered the space, the stylish black and white room shone with sophistication, showcasing wall-to-wall mirrors, plush black leather salon chairs, deep marble sinks, and complete manicure and pedicure stations. Any visitor, student or guest would find it hard to believe that this modernly sleek space was recently repurposed from a dusty storage space, just a few short months ago.
Vernon Township High School’s Cosmetology course has been designed to model a traditional state-approved program in its field, giving students full access to professional-grade tools, state-of-the-art equipment and high-end styling products. Mannequin heads have been supplied, courtesy of the program, for students to practice newly-acquired skills and techniques, while undergoing comprehensive coursework that meets the industry’s high-level standards.
Professional cosmetologist and SCCC instructor, Kelly Lisa, has been selected to teach the new high school course as a double-period block during the school day, followed by after-school hours for the students. She will also be running an evening college course for interested members of the community, under the direction of Dean Sherry Fitzgerald. These weeknight classes are currently being offered through the Sussex County Community College Cosmetology Program, on the Vernon Township High School campus. Kelly Lisa, recognized for her experience and success in the field, has previously initiated cosmetology programs at several other regional academic institutions and also serves on the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Bringing her industry knowledge and practical skill into the classroom, Lisa presents a cosmetology program that is both on-trend and cutting-edge for her students.
Growing in popularity and prestige, the cosmetology field presents an opportunity-rich career path of technical skill and trained expertise for its students. Already filled to its enrollment capacity, the Vernon Township High School’s new Cosmetology course appears to have, likewise, filled a void in the school’s course roster.
District Supervisor of the Fine, Performing and Practical Arts, Joseph Piccirillo commented, “We are directing our focus, more intentionally, to serve the 60 percent of our student population who have been left out of the equation.” With an overwhelming majority of high school students opting into two-year college or immediate employment paths, Vernon Township High School seeks to better support this under-represented demographic of its student body. The new Cosmetology course, and other VTHS courses similarly offering college credits, give the students the ability to trim away commuting hours and traditional program costs with its close-to-home location, cutting back on travel time and extraneous expenses.
With these courses, Vernon Township High School continues to explore ways that students can have hands-on learning experiences together with college-level experiences, in an effort to provide various pathways into high-demand fields.
As a rapidly-emerging professional industry, Cosmetology adds sophisticated flair to the Vernon Township High School’s catalog of career-focused courses and diversifies its artistic curriculum. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Charles McKay observed, “This is one more progressive course that creates futures for our students.”
And surely a career-inspired education is certainly one that will never go out of style.