Class of '04 Hall of Fame Inductees

2004 Varsity Boys Basketball

Minuteman’s 2004 varsity boys’ basketball team won the Division IV championship, the second state championship in the school’s history. The team also notched an impressive 19-6 regular season record. The team is remembered as a very special group of players whose character and desire to excel were second to none. Earning the championship brought the school together, and this recognition is well earned.

The team members were: Royce Veal, Ceasar Veal, Ian Tosti, Eduardo Rodriquez, Steven Woumnm, Quinten Ferrebee, David Edwards, Jimmy Young, Tawiah Buor, Dave Santos, Derek Smith, Peter Strong, Herchel Blemur, Niles Radl, Andrew Langione, Gregory Swain and Khari Hinson. 

Coaches: Steve Evans, Alan Colarusso and Richard Dean.

Elizabeth (Serino) King ‘04
Distinguished Alumna

From an early age, Liz (Serino) King knew she wanted a cosmetology career. At 14 she had her first position as a salon assistant. She passed her cosmetology exam before graduation in 2004, and has been working behind the chair since she was 18. Liz is currently the co-owner of J&L Hair Studio in Arlington Heights which opened their doors in September of 2013. 

Even though her career aspirations were formulated early, Liz was apprehensive about her future. This unease was partly fueled by her dad who questioned whether she could earn a living as a cosmetologist. Liz notes the transition from Minuteman to a career was a lot of hard work. However, that hard work was fueled by a motivation to “make my clients’ hair dreams a reality.” Liz shared that owning her salon provides the opportunity to “create the environment I’d like my clients and staff to experience—a clean, professional, safe space where everyone is welcome.” 

In addition to cultivating a welcoming salon setting, Liz is committed to continuously improve her practice. She pursued numerous classes and clinics to further her knowledge in the latest cutting and color trends etc. One of the more notable efforts was taking unbranded classes that explain the science and chemistry of hair, color, and products. She became a Board-Certified Hair Colorist in 2014. Liz also acknowledges her continued growth as a small business owner. “I am not the same salon owner I was 5 or even 10 years ago. I’ve learned to stay calm in any hard situation and have grace when things are particularly frustrating. I also try to be as open and communicative as I can. It could be a re-do on a client, staff calling out, or dealing with vendors, etc. I try to trust that things will work out and to accept when it’s out of my control. Daily and work stresses can negatively impact your life.” 

Liz credits her cosmetology teachers, especially Cynthia DeMaio, for the out-sized role in her success. “Ms. DeMaio truly is the best at what she does. Her passion and drive are a great example to her students”. In addition to Ms. DeMaio, Liz credits former boss Donna Callahan, who was her first mentor in the salon setting. “They both taught me what it is to be a successful and professional stylist.” 

Liz has not forgotten the key role Minuteman played in her professional success. “Minuteman is truly everything to me. I didn’t go to college. I picked a career (at the time) that wasn’t the “best” choice in some people’s eyes. Minuteman gave me my future in that I was able to become a successful stylist and salon owner and provide a good living for my family.” She continues to be involved in Minuteman; she returns to give demos and has hired several students through the years and provided them the opportunity to work in a salon setting. “I feel influenced by giving back to the school that has given me so much. Also, being a small business owner myself it’s important for me to support other local small businesses.”