COSMETOLOGY STUDENT RECEIVES STATE RECOGNITION

April 29, 2004

The Pennsylvania Association of Vocational Education Special Needs Personnel (PAVESNP) has awarded its 2004 Life/Work Challenge Award to Trisha Hoffman, a cosmetology student at Berks Career and Technology Center ’s West Campus and a senior at Conrad Weiser Area School District . The award was part of PAVESNP’s Mid-Winter Conference at the Hershey Hotel. In addition to the plaque that Trisha received, she was also presented with $500 from the association and congratulatory proclamations from Governor Edward Rendell as well as House and Senate Chambers.

The Life/Work Challenge Award is presented each year to a student who has overcome barriers in realizing his or her life/work potential. Trisha was recognized for her ability to prevail over her challenges with reading and test taking. Her persistence, enthusiasm, and determination have allowed her to surpass her individual potential. Trisha has exhibited a strong personal work ethic and good social skills, which enhance her level of employability. Her accomplishments this year alone, include being the first student to complete cosmetologist instructional hours, take her state boards and pass them, and receive her cosmetology license. She also found the time to service the most clinical clients last year and work at IXL Hair Studio in Robesonia as part of BCTC’s co-op program, allowing her to gain additional professional experience.

Trisha is very active in the student organization SkillsUSA, a national organization serving more than 250,000 high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. She is currently the reporter for the afternoon session of the school’s local chapter. In April, Trisha will represent BCTC at the SkillsUSA State Competition after taking first place at the district level.

This year, Trisha enrolled in the cosmetology student teacher program, a 500-hour state approved program to certify students to teach in a private beauty school. A student can only enter the program after they have completed the required 1250 hours for their cosmetology license.