Worcester Technical High School cosmetology program highlighted; graduates describe career outcomes

Worcester Technical High School teachers and graduates described the cosmetology program’s classroom instruction, industry credentialing and alumni outcomes during the board’s February meeting.

Principal Tony Bevilacqua and instructors Rachel Watson and Patricia Hands presented classroom practices that emphasize Tier 1 instruction, daily skill practice and high expectations. Watson told the board she has taught for 34 years and has worked at Worcester Technical for 25. She said the local program saves students the full cost of private academies and prepares them for state licensing exams.

Three alumni — Carolina Novelli (class of 2023), Savannah McCabe (class of 2023) and Carla Maldonado (class of 2018) — returned and told the board the program’s sustained practice and instructor support helped them pass state examinations, begin careers and open businesses. Novelli said daily practice questions and tests prepared students for the state boards; McCabe said the program allowed her, at 20, to live independently and work full time; Maldonado described using the program knowledge to run her own salon.

Superintendent Lou Taylor and board members praised Worcester Tech as a district “hidden gem” and highlighted the program’s workforce value. Taylor and other board members noted that many students spend a full day at Worcester Tech taking academic coursework upstairs and return for career‑technical instruction.

The board did not take action on the presentation; its members thanked staff and students for returning to testify about career pathways and workforce readiness.