First Christine Cordey Scholarship Fund Awarded
It is with great excitement and anticipation to announce that the first ever Christine Cordey Scholarship grant has been awarded. This scholarship, given annually to a select student studying cosmetology in either Rockland or Orange County, is the first of many more to come—a goal that Christine “Cordey” Locurto can now cross off her bucket list. “I did it. I can say I did it. I gave back to something that gave to me.”
Over the past year, Christine Cordey Salon has been accepting donations, as well as giving a partial amount of its earnings, to raise money for the scholarship, becoming the only salon in Rockland County to do so. The scholarship has been held by the Rockland Community Foundation, and people have been able to donate either through the foundation’s website or through the salon’s Facebook page. And now, backed by overwhelming support, the scholarship has been awarded to fellow graduate Janice Garcia, of the Capri Cosmetology School in Nanuet. Capri is considered one of the leading cosmetology schools in the tri-state area, and also where Christine Cordey is an alumnus.
“I remember not being able to pay for beauty school. This is for somebody who wants this, and wants to make a better life for themselves because of it.”
Christine “Cordey” Locurto
Owner, Christine Cordey Salon
One of the driving forces this scholarship also attempts to bring forth is the continued need for students in trade schools and blue collar jobs. These have seen a significant decrease in enrollment numbers, and Christine is hoping to break that mold. “There are tons of scholarships for academia, and there is nothing for trade schools. There will always be a need for stylists and blue collar jobs.” She is hoping that this scholarship will push students to keep an open mind when considering these schools, such as Capri.
The scholarship is a true testament to the community-focused nature of the Salon. Since its conception six years ago, Christine and her team have worked tirelessly to show that they are more than just a place to get your hair done. She uses the word “hub” or “conduit” to describe her salon, and pleads that “if you want to do something good, do it through our community.”
Christine is no stranger to this concept, having given ample amounts back to the community through the Nyack Center for School Supplies, Soup Angels, or providing dog and cat food to the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center. This scholarship is just one of the many things Christine is doing to ‘pay it forward’ in a community that has helped her get to where she is now.
To celebrate the success of the scholarship, Christine Cordey Salon and friends will be hosting an event on Tuesday, October 8th, at the Hudson House on Main Street in Nyack. This cocktail hour event will begin at 6:30 pm, and will honor the recipient, Janice, and all those who donated toward a great cause. “I want her to know she’s supported,” says Christine. “I need her to understand the gift.” All are welcome to attend the celebration, not only as a way to support Janice and the scholarship, but the Nyack and Rockland communities as a whole. “The larger picture [of the event] is that this is something Christine accomplished, not just for herself, but for her community,” said Sam Boudrot, who has worked at the salon for three years.
Nyack and the neighboring villages are home to some hidden treasures within Rockland County. Christine Cordey Salon is just one of many places that give back to their community in some capacity, and it’s refreshing to see this idea of “paying it forward” continuing in such a close-knit bunch. For Janice, Christine Cordey Salon, and all of Rockland County, celebrate the effort and success of giving back on October 8 at the Hudson House.
Donate to the Scholarship Fund
Visit christinecordeysalon.com or call Christine Cordey Salon at 845-675-7950.
