Adult Education Cosmetology students offer skincare education and analysis at NYS Fair

OCM BOCES Adult Education Cosmetology students Breanna Bell, Heather Dillman, Amanda Heisler (pictured), Daena Hurley and Brittany Zimmer partnered with the New York State Department of Health to educate New York State Fair attendees on the dangers of artificial tanning and provide free skin analyses to interested participants. Earlier this summer, the NYS Department of Health asked OCM BOCES Adult Education Cosmetology instructor Cindy Foran for experienced volunteers to provide these services from their booth at the Fair. To prepare, the five students attended webinars and training to learn how to operate the advanced skin analysis tools. Students tended the booth every weekday of the Fair and also had the opportunity to share information about OCM BOCES to interested fairgoers.

The Adult Education full-time certification program in Cosmetology is designed to prepare students for a career in the appearance enhancement field. Classes follow the New York state-approved curriculum required for taking the state licensing exams. The program offers students the opportunity to practice their skills during regular classes and clinics. An advanced placement option is also available to students who have already completed partial training. OCM BOCES students, under the supervision of their instructors, provide a full-service salon to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays. A nail clinic is available on Fridays only. Call (315) 453-4650 for more information.

OCM BOCES Fashion Show is collaborative effort

OCM BOCES Cosmetology instructors and students held a very successful fashion show at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center on Monday, April 20.  The event included students and staff from OCM BOCES Career Academy, Innovation Tech, Special Education and Adult Education programs, along with administration, office personnel and advisory committee members, making it a true collaboration!

Adult Education Carpentry Instructor John Sweeney and his students built a beautiful (and edgy)  arch designating the show's "runway" entrance.  A red carpet, wall and arch decorations, along with some upbeat music played by an event DJ, brought lots of excitement to the scene.

As the show went on, the school's halls filled with students and staff from the various OCM BOCES programs. Runway models were announced as they entered through the arch and walked or danced their way along the red carpet.

"The student models were clearly in the moment and very proud to be showing off their creative make up and  chosen fashions," said Linda Horton Cook, OCM BOCES Assistant Director of Adult and Continuing Education. " It was awe inspiring seeing them step out of 'student mode' and into a world that let each one shine, regardless of age or program," she added.

The idea for the fashion show originated from OCM BOCES Adult Education Cosmetology Instructor, Cindy Foran...in one of her dreams!  She captured the vision, shared it, and dared to accept the challenge of making it all happen.  

"I believe this event demonstrates the true spirit of OCM BOCES. Creative and caring educators, guiding and supporting students; inspiring confidence and courage," said Linda Horton Cook.

Many thanks to everyone who supported the event and (literally) helped a dream become reality!