A LIFETIME AT JVS — Diane Dalesio, junior program instructor of the cosmetology course at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, looked on while Cambrie Wilson, a senior in the program, styled a mannequin in the school’s salon. Dalesio, who taught Wilson in her class last year, retired Sept. 30 after nearly three decades of teaching. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — For the past 27 years, Diane Dalesio brought style to the cosmetology program at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

She has come full circle, having attended as a student and then becoming a teacher and inspiring others to continue on in the field.

On Sept. 30, Dalesio hung up her scissors and retired from the place she has loved for nearly three decades. The Follansbee resident began attending the JVS when it first opened in 1975. She explained how that decision ended up shaping her future.

“This school changed my career path and had a big influence on me,” she said.

When Dalesio was a student at Wintersville High School, she had no idea what she wanted to do following graduation.

That is, until teachers Rita Karanzas and Kathleen Howell guided her through the cosmetology program.

“When I came here, it was the first time a teacher took an interest in me and saw I had some talent,” she reminisced. “The first time they told me I did something good, I wanted to keep doing it.”

Dalesio went on to work in various salons throughout the next 21 years — including at Merle Norman and Kaufmann’s. Then, Karanzas and Howell coaxed her to return to her alma mater and head the junior class program.

“I applied for the job,” Dalesio said. “I never really thought of being a teacher, but I really liked it. It changed my life. It’s amazing.”

Since 1997, she has helped countless students learn the essentials of beauty care.

There have been quite a few who have gone on to their own careers, she stated.

“What’s really rewarding is after the kids graduate — whether it’s in cosmetology or some other field — and I see them in public and they say ‘Thank you.’ It’s nice to see students working in area salons. And it’s nice to know you’ve changed somebody’s life and career path.”

Senior Cambrie Wilson, who was Dalesio’s student last year, is one of those success stories. Wilson is already looking past graduation to an apprenticeship and earning more certifications to work in a salon. She praised Dalesio for her tutelage and believes she’s a cut above the rest.

“She’s an absolutely great teacher,” Wilson added. “She definitely helps you when you need it and she’s a great person to look up to. She’s a great leader.”

Dalesio’s longtime career may have come to an end, but she is looking forward to a permanent change, with plenty of relaxing and traveling in her future.

Prior to her leaving, Dalesio worked with her successor, Lillian Thrasher, to ease the transition. She commented she leaves with nothing but fondness for the JVS.

“I am looking forward to retiring, but am going to miss this school,” she said. “What makes me proud of the JVS is that we give kids opportunities to be good at something. I want this program to succeed and I love this school. I think the people here do a lot for the kids.”