Vivienne LaVertu’s creative streak is a mile wide and as long as the eye can see. The Huntington High School Class of 2021 member is an incredible artist, studying in a Western Suffolk BOCES professional health careers program.
The teenager is Huntington High School’s recipient of this year’s ALIVE Outstanding Student Award presented by the Association of Long Island Vocational Educators of Western Suffolk BOCES.
Ms. LaVertu was honored in recognition of her “outstanding academic performance, attendance, community service and achievement.”
The ALIVE award features a $100 stipend. “ALIVE’s mission is to provide awards and scholarships to graduating students who attend Wilson Tech,” according to the nomination form.
Ms. LaVertu is giving thought to pursuing a career in cosmetology. She’s been a standout in the program at Wilson Tech and the Association of Long Island Vocational Educators of Western Suffolk BOCES took notice. The group “is dedicated to providing outstanding opportunities in the career and technical education programs at Wilson Tech,” according to a profile of the organization, which annually presents a scholarship to one exceptional student from each of the Western Suffolk BOCES component districts.
A member of Huntington High School’s Art Honor Society, Ms. LaVertu’s talents span many different forms of art. Some might call her a creative genius and they wouldn’t be wrong.
Besides what most people consider traditional forms of art, Ms. LaVertu has expanded into other areas that almost require creativity of thought. For example, the coloring, styling and cutting of hair along with a most pleasant approach toward customers.
“I am also still interested in using my photography and artistic skills to make a living and satisfy people in the future,” said Ms. LaVertu in an interview last spring. “Huntington has allowed me to choose electives by showing me how there is more out than just drawing and shooting photos or cutting hair at Wilson Tech. It’s not all easy in some areas and there’s no shortcut to success, even if you’re doing something you’re still really good at.”
Ms. LaVertu intends to continue her vocational studies until she perfects her craft.