High school cosmetology program celebrates CTE month with makeovers and meaningful relationships
To mark Career and Technical Education Month during the month of February, the Patchogue-Medford High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) cosmetology program recently visited the Brookhaven Health Care Facility to form meaningful connections with community members and provide hair, makeup, and nail services to residents for free.
“Our students work diligently to complete the 1,000 hours required to sit for the New York State practical and written exams, earning their cosmetology licenses and preparing to work in the industry,” said Patchogue-Medford High School cosmetology teacher Nicole Costantino. “While learning about hair, makeup, skincare, and nails, we are dedicated to helping individuals feel their best and collaborate with and support our community.”
The cosmetology program began its initiative of providing services to the Brookhaven Health Care Facility this year, visiting multiple times since the fall. Students are given the opportunity to practice their skills, residents receive free hair, makeup, and nail services, as well as bond with the residents.
“Partnering with the Patchogue-Medford High School cosmetology program brings a new level of beauty and connection to our residents and patients,” said Brookhaven Health Care Facility activities director Sabrina Riquelme-Cadogan. “It is more than just nails and makeup; it is an opportunity to bridge generations, inspire confidence, and create meaningful moments that remind our residents and patients they are cherished and beautiful.”
The Patchogue-Medford High School CTE cosmetology program began in 2023 as the eighth CTE program offered in-house at the high school. The program enables students to complete the necessary requirements to apply for their cosmetology licenses by the time of graduation and gives them opportunities to collaborate with other CTE programs, the high school’s theater department, and community partners—such as the Brookhaven Health Care Facility—to put their learning into practice.
For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/.
