The William Floyd High School Barbering Academy has launched a new social media video series titled "Undefined." The series features staff members from the William Floyd School District receiving free haircuts at the high school barbershop while being interviewed. Notable participants so far include assistant principal Brian Kennedy, Marine & Motorsports teacher Vincent Porcelli, technology teacher Paul Vassallo, and Culinary Arts teacher Rich Daly.
Barbering Academy instructor Cara Cliffe spearheaded the project with inspiration from Victor Fontanez, a well-known barber and motivational speaker who offers free haircuts and interviews to random individuals under his social media handle VicBlends. Cliffe collaborated with assistant principal Robert Felicetta to adapt this concept for William Floyd.
Cliffe shared her motivation: “I’ve learned so much about my coworkers while using them as live demonstrations and giving them haircuts that I found myself saying, ‘I wish students were able to know them like this.’”
The title "Undefined" was chosen after consulting over 40 district members, each asked to describe William Floyd High School in one word. “There were so many amazing answers," said Cliffe, "but all conversations followed the same theme... we are undefined.”
Students have an active role in selecting guests for the show by providing suggestions on Instagram. They also participated in choosing the show's logo through a vote among Barbering classes.
Currently hosted by Cliffe, she hopes her students will soon take over hosting duties to build 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,” she stated.
Felicetta added that these interactions help demonstrate human connection's importance and offer insights into staff members' lives: “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 on Instagram via the William Floyd Barbering Academy account.
About WFHS Barbering Academy: Part of an award-winning Career and Technical Education program, it offers pathways in business and technology. Students learn industry skills such as cutting techniques, facial grooming, business management, and communication. Completion prepares students for New York State Licensing exams.
William Floyd’s CTE program includes various academies like Automotive, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Medical Assisting among others—equipping students with career-ready skills.