Suffolk Reporter

The William Floyd High School Barbering Academy has launched a new social media video series titled "Undefined." The series invites staff members from the William Floyd School District to the high school barbershop for a free haircut while being interviewed. Participants so far include assistant principal Brian Kennedy, Marine & Motorsports teacher Vincent Porcelli, technology teacher Paul Vassallo, and Culinary Arts teacher Rich Daly.

The series is inspired by Victor Fontanez, known as VicBlends, who offers free haircuts and interviews to random individuals. Cara Cliffe, a Barbering Academy instructor, along with assistant principal Robert Felicetta, adapted this concept for their academy.

Ms. Cliffe expressed her interest in students learning more about their coworkers through these interactions: “I wish students were able to know them like this because they could be walking past a potential role model or missing out on establishing a connection based on shared experiences and interests.”

The title "Undefined" was chosen after consulting over 40 people from across the district. They aimed to capture the evolving nature of William Floyd High School. Each guest on the show is asked to discuss what being undefined means to them.

Students play an active role in selecting guests for the show through weekly surveys and suggestions on Instagram. They also participated in choosing the logo for the series.

Currently hosted by Ms. Cliffe, there are plans for students to take over hosting duties to boost their confidence as barbers and communicators. “My goal is to create a space where CTE Barbering students feel comfortable asking clients (of any age) the questions I’ve asked in past videos,” said Ms. Cliffe.

Mr. Felicetta hopes that through "Undefined," students gain insight into diverse lives within their community: “Our hope is to give students an insight into the lives of many different people that they encounter daily.”

Episodes of "Undefined" can be viewed by following the William Floyd Barbering Academy on Instagram.

The WFHS Barbering Academy is part of the district's Career and Technical Education program offering multiple academies and pathways such as Accounting, Architecture, Business Management, Engineering, Automotive, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Medical Assisting, Marine & Motorsports, and Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist programs.