Valley Stream Central High School marked a new chapter for its long-running cosmetology program on Dec. 4, unveiling a fully renovated salon suite that students, staff, alumni, community partners and village representatives described as a major step forward for hands-on career education.
The program, part of the district for 55 years, last underwent renovation two decades ago. Karen Glasgow, who has over 30 years of experience in cosmetology and has served as the department’s instructor for the past five years, leads the students through their training in the updated space.
“The entire Salon Suite was renovated, and we now have a newly renovated space where we can do face,” Glasgow said. “Facial is an important part of cosmetology. So, now we have a separate space.”
Although the new layout improves opportunities for skincare instruction, Glasgow said the program does not yet offer the coursework necessary for an esthetician license and would need a certified esthetics teacher to do so. For now, students continue to train in the full cosmetology curriculum, which includes hair, nails, facials, makeup and skin care. Instruction is structured around the requirements of the state board exams, focusing heavily on hair techniques for the practical portion and covering nail, hair, body systems, cutting, curling, blow drying, straightening, highlighting, chemical relaxing and color for the theory component.
Village representatives attending the ribbon cutting congratulated the school and the program’s students for their accomplishments, presenting a citation on behalf of the mayor and board of trustees. Culinary students prepared refreshments for visitors and local business partners also contributed refreshments.
The renovation drew numerous alumni back to the building, including former student Sallyann Esposito, class of 1980. Esposito recalled the techniques taught during her time in the program — particularly the differences in perming tools compared to today — and said the experience stayed with her long after graduation. She now works for the Village of Valley Stream, where she oversees senior citizen services, and continues to bring seniors to the school for hair styling by current cosmetology students.
“It brings back memories, and I donated my cosmetology kit here from the class of ‘80, so they have it somewhere out there, showing people, and they look at it like, ‘what is this?’,” Esposito said. “It’s totally different than what they use today, but do you know what? It’s a learning tool. I’m just so proud of this and the way they had the grand opening, and what they’re offering now, especially to boys, too.”
Also returning was alum Desiree Lucia, class of 2020, who now works behind the chair at Hair Effex Hair Salon in Bellmore and freelances in bridal makeup. According to Lucia, the cosmetology program gave her the foundation she needed to begin working in salons while still in high school, eventually allowing her to build the clientele she has today.
She described the renovated suite as a significant improvement, saying it felt meaningful to see the space updated for current and future students. She credited her teachers for motivating her and creating an encouraging environment that helped shape her early career.
The updated salon also made an impression on longtime clients like Kim Diluzio, who has been coming to the school for services for about five years. Diluzio said she trusts the students because they work under Glasgow’s supervision and because the program offers a learning opportunity not widely available elsewhere. She described the remodeled suite as dramatically improved, noting changes in the layout, flooring and overall design that make the space more open and professional. Diluzio said the improved environment enhances the client experience, making the space feel more comfortable and polished.
“You find out through trial and error, you come back, and you see what things you would like,” Diluzio said. “For instance, now I’m doing my highlights, which they did great last time, but they’re learning. The students are learning. I feel like I’m part of the learning process, to be honest, helping them learn the skills they need, and if there’s a mess up, it can be fixed.”
Students in the program provide services such as hair styling, coloring, manicures, eyebrow work and facials, all while being supervised by licensed professionals. Glasgow emphasized that community participation is essential, explaining that while mannequins help students learn, real-world experience is what truly prepares them for work after graduation.
Services provided by the cosmetology students are free and available to anyone by appointment on Thursday and Friday mornings. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by calling (516) 561-4436 or emailing glasgowk@vschsd.org
With the ribbon officially cut, the renovated cosmetology suite begins its next chapter, one that alumni, instructors, community partners and clients agree will provide students with an upgraded, more professional space to gain the hands-on experience the field demands.
