Uniondale High School launches new barbering program
On Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Uniondale High School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new barbering program, which is a collaboration with Nassau BOCES. The program space has been set up on the second floor of Uniondale High School.
Anyone who steps inside the barbering classroom is immediately transported to a working barber shop outfitted with barbering chairs, professional tools and live clients who are Uniondale High School students. Students in the program learn how to cut hair, give facials and maintain good hygiene in a shop. Barbering students can complete this program in one year and then accumulate the work hours required to become a New York State licensed barber.
This program was launched through the efforts of Uniondale High School principal Mark McCaw, who believes in the importance of creating multiple career pathways for students. “This is the start of a beautiful partnership as we look for opportunities for our scholars, whether they be college-bound, career-bound or whatever they want to do. We have the opportunity today to give them choices,” said Principal McCaw at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Also in attendance at the event were Judy Hynes, Nassau BOCES regional director of technical programs, Pearl Jacobs and Patty Harris of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, and Jeanna McKnight, president of the Uniondale High School PTSA. The students were treated to a visit by a celebrity stylist and natural hair expert, Stacey Ciceron. Ms. Ciceron has worked as a beauty ambassador for brands such as Shea Moisture, TREsemme, and Bumble and Bumble. She has also created looks for celebrities and supermodels for television shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and Victoria’a Secret Fashion, as well as in magazines such as Vogue, Essence, Elle, Allure, Glamour and Vanity Fair. Ms. Ciceron gave the UHS barbering students tutorials on hair care and then gave them advice on growing their business and becoming successful creatives.
