Janelle Beckwith, Kaitlyn Dattilo, and Mrs. Florio

According to Mrs. Doreen Florio, Hairdressing and Barbering Department Head, this is the time of year when there is a tremendous call for hairstyling for weddings and proms. “This is what we have to do because this is what will be happening when our students get out there.  So, I invented what I call the “Bridal Up-do Contest” to give them a different and more interesting way to practice these skills.” 

On Tuesday, May 19th, Mrs. Florio’s Junior students lined up in the HB shop’s salon chairs with their Sophomore models awaiting them.  They began work on hairstyles of their own choosing. 

The criteria for judging would be: 1.) Creativity  2.) Execution  3.) Adaptability to the customer.

Also, they would be judged by professionals, two women from a local establishment and former OWTS students themselves.

“The competition is good and the kids love it,” remarked Mrs. Florio.  “The kids work so hard to get things right.  Hey, if someone is going to pay $65 for a hair-do, they better be able to perform.  Lots of times they’ll bring the whole bridal party into a salon.  Also, there are no machines that do what we do.  Our kids have to have the skills.”

After a few morning hours of serious work was completed, Ms. Sherri Pergola and Ms. Tristine Sampson from Elaines Skin Sanity in Torrington, proceeded with the judging.  “I thought the kids had done a wonderful job and so did the judges, who were also wonderful,” said Mrs. Florio.  “They took the time to tell each individual student what they had done wrong and what they had done right.”

The winner was Kaitlyn Dattilo.  Her model was Janelle Beckwith.  All students received a certificate for participating in the competition.