Putnam Vocational Technical Academy alumni share their reflections on their vocational education and what it has meant to them.
Daisy Cruz is a member of the Class of 2000 at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy; she is the owner of the Shear Perfection Salon in Chicopee. By DAISY CRUZ
SPRINGFIELD - I have been a licensed hairstylist since Jan. 22, 2000. I passed my state board exam eight days before my 17th birthday and have never looked back.
As a child, I used to love playing with my friends’ hair. Every time my best friend, or my closest cousins, would come over to visit, I would style their hair into ponytails and braids. So, when I was in middle school and Putnam (Vocational Technical Academy representatives) came to tell us about their school, I was intrigued with the fact that I could attend classes half the year and the other half would be in a shop taking up a trade like cosmetology.
It was my top choice high school, and I got accepted to attend my ninth-grade year.
As an incoming ninth-grader attending Putnam, I was overwhelmed. I walked up to the school, saw the “Technical High School” sign above the entrance of the school and asked a teacher if I was at Putnam.
It took me at least three weeks to remember where my classes were and to not get lost in the big hallways.
Classes were a challenge because I had all accelerated honors classes. I loved being in high school, meeting new people and trying new things.
During our exploratory (studies), we had a chance to try out every shop. I did not enjoy auto mechanics or carpentry, but I did my best. My top choices were cosmetology (of course), nursing and culinary.
Cosmetology won out, and, after receiving my drivers’ license, I decided to go on co-op (work experience). This meant going to work at a real salon instead of school on certain days, and the experience made feel like I was truly becoming an adult.
I now have my associate’s degree in entrepreneurship from Springfield Technical Community College and am the proud owner of Shear Perfection Salon in Chicopee.
I went to Putnam because I loved the fact that I could learn a trade and take accelerated honors and Advanced Placement classes at the same time.
I’m saddened to see the demise of the Ted Plumb Field. My fiancé, Alvin Brown Jr., played many games on that field (he was the quarterback and member of the Class of 2001) and even proposed to me on that field.
Still, the new building looks amazing, and I’m excited for all the students who will walk through those halls and create their own memories for many years to come.
Putnam Pride Forever!