SkillsUSA students welcome veteran, Warwick alumni for Professional Day
On Wednesday, the Warwick Valley High School SkillsUSA chapter welcomed guest speakers from the cosmetology, criminal justice and video production industries for a SkillsUSA Professional Day. During today’s “career day-style” sessions, juniors and seniors benefitted from learning about the collegiate and professional pathways they may be considering, from the perspective of a professional in the field. And two of the speakers were also Wildcat alumni, both of whom availed themselves of the opportunities afforded them by the Careers & Technology curriculum during their high school careers.
See a gallery of images from the event below this story.
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, which is “the #1 workforce development organization for middle and high school students in the nation.” (www.skillsusa.org)
SkillsUSA empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. SkillsUSA also hosts local, regional and national competitions that are created and adjudicated 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).
There were morning and afternoon sessions, during which the three speakers shared anecdotes and advice drawn from their own experiences pursuing and excelling in their chosen professions. Each session also included a Q&A portion, when SkillsUSA students got to ask pertinent personal questions specific to their own field, and learn things they might find helpful in their own planning for the future.
See a gallery of images from the event below this story.
Thank you to our three guest speakers for sharing their expertise and time with our students.
Krista Plunkett (Class of 2011, Cosmetology)
Krista is the owner/stylist at The Opal Studio in Florida, NY. Krista studied cosmetology in high school and is not only a talented stylist, but an entrepreneur as well. She opened The Opal in 2021, after working in the industry following graduation. She has previously served clients at Soho Salon in Warwick, and has returned to her alma mater for previous career days. To find success in her field, Krista stressed the importance of developing your people skills, and being able to make personal connections while remaining professional. She told the students that it always pays to keep up with the latest trends, which means embracing the idea of being a lifelong learner.
Jeffrey Koff (Class of 2019, TV/Video Production)
Jeff is a lead morning producer at the ABC affiliate, WVNY, and Fox affiliate, WFFF, in Burlington, VT. Jeff earned his BS in TV Video Production/Broadcast Journalism from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he was a writer, editor, director (and even actor) on Plattsburgh State Television. He ultimately rose to the position of Executive Producer for the station, overseeing its day-to-day operations. Jeff also stressed the importance learning the latest best practices and maintaining professionalism under pressure, and to always embrace challenges and remain open to new opportunities.
“I can attest, and I’m sure the other guest speakers can as well, that the classes and opportunities you have in [this program] really launched us toward where we are now. I came out of here and went into college already on a fast track, because I knew so much more than anyone else coming into their freshman year,” said Jeffrey. “This is an amazing place to start, and even just by being in this room listening to us today, you’re making the most of the opportunities this program provides. It’s going to make a difference down the line; you guys are on a great path!”
James Drew (Retired US Army, Criminal Justice)
The only non-Wildcat speaker, James is a former classmate of Mr. Avila, who invited him to share his expertise with the students. James is retired from the US Military Police. As a former criminal justice student himself, James recalled firsthand just how important the career and life skills learned in a program like SkillsUSA can be to someone’s post-high school decisions. He encouraged the students to take full advantage of everything there is to be learned from the program. Specifically, he pointed out that SkillsUSA promotes not just career readiness in specific fields, but presents knowledge and skills that are universal and can be helpful in advancing any career.
James enlisted in the US Army in 1997 and retired in 2019. He served with primarily engineering units in the early part of his military career and, in 2004, transferred to the Military Police. His career included an assignment with the 310 combat support military police company out of Orangetown, NY, with whom he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, he would join the 812 military police company, where he held the positions of squad leader, platoon sergeant and first sergeant. He retired from military service after 22 and a half years!
