SkillsUSA students learn from professionals in their fields
The Warwick Valley High School SkillsUSA chapter recently welcomed guest speakers from the cosmetology, criminal justice and video production industries for a SkillsUSA Professional Day in the Media Center.
The students heard stories about the future pathways they may be considering from the perspective of professionals in the field. The event also gave students the opportunity to ask the speakers questions.
Cosmetology, Criminal Justice and Video Production are popular courses at Warwick Valley High School, and students who enroll also have the opportunity to take part in SkillsUSA, an organization that empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. SkillsUSA also hosts local, regional and national competitions that are judged by industry professionals. The Warwick Valley chapter of SkillsUSA competes annually, guided by teachers Eduardo Avila (criminal justice), Kathleen Bettello (cosmetology), and Dan Cecconie (video production).
The first speaker was Brad Cheney, a former student of Mr. Cecconie. He is currently Vice President for Field Operations and Engineering at Fox Sports. He spoke to the students less than a week before heading to work at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Cheney talked about the importance of communicating, collaborating and networking. After graduating from WVHS, Cheney went to the University of Hartford. He used the video production skills he learned in Warwick to get internships and then a weekend job at the local Fox station.
“It’s about being able to communicate your ideas out to other people and to understand what their ideas and their needs are,” Cheney said. “Also, every one of the jobs I’ve gotten over time is because I met someone doing something else on another piece and that gave me an opportunity one year later, three years later, maybe 10 years later.”
The second speaker, hair stylist Irene Benincasa of Makin Waves in Congers, said she got her start with career classes in high school.
“I was once you, believe it or not,” Ms. Benincasa told the SkillsUSA students. “I was a part of SkillsUSA (then known as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) and went to competitions in Syracuse both my junior and senior years.”
Benincasa explained how she started at the bottom, as a shampoo girl in a few salons, and worked her way up. She also talked about the importance of being a good communicator when consulting with clients.
The third speaker was retired NYPD sergeant Janice Gonzalez, who went to the police academy with Mr. Avila. She also talked about the importance of communicating with people.
“You’re going to come across obstacles in your career,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “You have to adapt; you have to do the work (and do the work well), and you have to depend on your team.”
Ms. Gonzalez talked about a Japanese proverb that says if you fall down seven times, you have to stand back up eight times. You can’t be successful unless you fail, she said.
Brad Cheney of Fox Sports speaks to students in the Media Center.

Hair stylist Irene Benincasa speaks to students in the Media Center.

Retired NYPD officer Janice Gonzalez speaks to SkillsUSA students.

SkillsUSA students listen to a speaker during Professional Day in the Media Center.

Professionals answer questions from SkillsUSA students during Professional Day in the Media Center.