Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Waltham High School is preparing the cosmetologists of tomorrow, today.
High school students in Waltham are turning their dreams of becoming cosmetologists into a reality thanks to a new classroom and working salon. Cosmetology instructor Jackie Powers says it's the best salon she's ever been in.
"It's amazing. It's like working in a high-end salon. I've never seen anything like this in a school, and we've been so lucky. Waltham provided top-of-the-line everything."
Aside from a designated classroom, there are 25 stations and a variety of spaces that specialize in hair, skin, and nail care services which students like junior Giselle will be able to offer actual customers.
Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
Read More: 'Green Days': More Gen Z Workers Play Hooky To Spend Time In Nature
"It's exciting and nerve-wracking. We've mainly worked on our family and friends and some teachers in the building, but it's definitely exciting to get people from the public because it just makes it 10 times more real," she said.
Students can graduate with the credentials of 1,000 hours, then take their state exam, and if they pass, start styling hair professionally.
For junior Avery, it was an exciting experience when they first walked into Waltham High School's new cosmetology classroom and working salon.
"It really felt like this is what I want to do in the future, and it got me really excited," she explained.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@jamesrojas.bsky.social) reports.