NORWOOD – Elizabeth Birdou, a student at Massena Central School, is the recipient of the Rev. William R. and Crystal E. Cuthbert Vocational Excellence Award for November; sponsored by Brookfield Renewable US.

Elizabeth is in the Cosmetology Program at The Seaway Career & Technical Education Center in Norwood. She is the niece of Chad and Jenifer Blair.

Cosmetology is a two-year program with a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction time.  Students study the art and science of beautifying and improving the skin, nails and hair. The program offers instruction and practical experience in the skills and theory necessary to be a licensed cosmetologist. Students are introduced to a multitude of techniques used in today’s trending beauty industry. Students gain practical experience in a modern working salon environment performing services for friends, family and members of the community. Students who successfully complete the 1,000-hour requirement are eligible to sit for the NYS licensure exam.

The instructor, Niki Rutledge, stated the following about her student.

“Elizabeth is an out-going, intelligent and hard-working young woman. She has great leadership abilities, is academically sound, has excellent entry-level cosmetology skills and has a willingness to learn new things. She works extremely hard to complete her assignments and continually strives to improve her cosmetology skills. She arrives each morning with a smile, positive attitude and is always prepared to work. She has shown herself to be reliable, competent and cooperative. I can always count on her help when needed. As new material is presented, Elizabeth sees it as a welcoming challenge. Her fun sense of humor brightens my day and her ability to keep a positive upbeat attitude contributes to her charm. Elizabeth is a well-rounded student in her interests and activities in and out of school. She willingly volunteers for our community-based cosmetology activities including spa services, haircuts and more. These activities, no doubt, have helped her develop the wonderful balance of interpersonal and communication skills she possesses.”