Faculty and students from the William Floyd School District presented their high school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at the “Pathways to Partnerships” workforce development conference on January 22. The event, held at Hilton Long Island, was organized by the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, and Nassau County Council of School Superintendents.
The conference began with a Presentation of Colors by the William Floyd NJROTC, led by Senior Chief Andrew DiDonato. Superintendent Kevin Coster delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the range of CTE programs available at William Floyd High School and emphasized collaborations with businesses, colleges, universities, and trade schools.
Since its start in 2013 with 136 students across three academies—carpentry, cosmetology, and culinary arts—the CTE program has expanded significantly. By 2014, automotive and medical assisting academies were added. In 2018, barbering became part of the curriculum as enrollment doubled to 275 students. Currently, nearly 750 students participate in eight academy offerings: automotive, barbering, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, marine & motorsports, medical assisting, and personal trainer & nutrition. Students can also choose among five graduation pathways: accounting; architecture; business marketing & management; engineering; and Microsoft Office specialist.
Participation in SkillsUSA—a national partnership focused on developing skilled workers through education programs and competitions—has also grown within William Floyd High School. Enrollment in the school’s chapter tripled over three years to reach 125 student members. This growth led to recognition with the SkillsUSA 2025 Growth Chapter Award.
“For the graduating class of 2026, 50 percent of the senior class cohort is eligible to receive a CTE endorsement on their diploma, a designation that gives students a leg up in the next stage of their lives, whether they decide to enter the workforce, college, a trade school or even the military,” said Mr. Coster. “These are valuable skills that students will take with them throughout their lives.”
Robert Felicetta serves as assistant principal at William Floyd High School and administrator for CTE programs. Allison Wiegand is chairperson for CTE and work-based learning coordinator; Jacqueline Giacalone chairs business & technology education efforts. Together they have established partnerships spanning local businesses—including Northwell Health; Mastic Beach Volunteer Ambulance; Haugland Group; IGHL—and various higher education institutions such as Farmingdale State University; Stony Brook University; Johnson & Wales University; Suffolk County Community College.
Attendees from William Floyd included instructors Cara Cliffe (barbering), Karisa Beyers (cosmetology), as well as CTE students Annalyse Cruz (barbering), Avery Curtin (personal training & nutrition), Megan DiGiacomo (cosmetology), and Corinne Neidig (medical assisting).
A video produced by library media specialist Stacy Redmond was featured during the conference presentation.
