Above: Violet Scibior has spent the past three years as a TV meteorologist in New York. Photo courtesy of Violet Scibior
By Tarah Kayne
For many, childhood hobbies fade away as life progresses and responsibilities mount. But for some, the lessons learned in those early years continue to shape their professional and personal lives. Such is the case for Violet Scibior, who, from a young age, discovered a love for figure skating — a passion that has since influenced her career in broadcast meteorology.
Scibior’s affinity for the ice began with frequent visits to public skating sessions alongside her mother. She decided to pursue formal lessons at the Skating Club of New Hartford, New York, at the age of 10.
“I started learning basic skills and gradually progressed to juvenile level moves in the field and free skate,” she said.
Her initial years were foundational, but eventually, she began participating in Showcase competitions across the state, honing not just her skating abilities but also her performance skills.
Instrumental in Scibior’s skating journey was her older sister, Jacqui. Jacqui was already well acquainted with the sport and chose to take on the role of mentor to Violet, helping her fine-tune her elements and choreographing her showcase programs.
“Jacqui helped teach me skills and choreographed all of my Showcase routines. I owe half of my success to her,” Scibior said.
The sibling duo’s efforts culminated in many successful competitions, including a gold medal in the final round at the New Hartford Showcase Championship — a personal highlight of Scibior’s skating career and a memory she holds dear.
Among her many performances, one stands out vividly: a Showcase routine as Napoleon from the 2004 comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. Her quirky, entertaining program not only won first place in the pre-juvenile group but also triumphed in the final round against competitors of all levels, earning her a spot atop the podium and a trophy.
“The routine was hilarious and super fun to perform,” she said, crediting Jacqui once again for her choreographic prowess both at home and on the ice.
While skating remained a passion for Scibior, her academic goals eventually took precedence. She attended SUNY Brockport, earning a Bachelor of Science in broadcast meteorology. Her college years were a busy period, filled with responsibilities at the school’s radio and TV stations. Despite her demanding schedule, Scibior never fully left the ice, continuing to practice and skate publicly whenever possible.
“I just stopped competing because I needed to focus more on my schoolwork,” she said.
Eventually, the transition from the ice to the broadcast studio was seamless, thanks to the work ethic and performance skills Scibior had acquired through years of skating.
“My on-ice experiences have helped tremendously with my professional career as a meteorologist,” Scibior said.
Both areas of Scibior’s life require performing in front of a crowd (or on camera) and staying calm under pressure — things that she became comfortable with over the years. According to Scibior, the comedic elements of her Showcase skating have also infused her on-air personality with a relatable, humorous touch.
“Skating taught me that not everything has to be so serious, and people enjoy humor,” she said.
Now based in Syracuse, New York, and working at CNY Central News, Scibior has been a meteorologist for more than three years. Finding ways to balance her professional and personal life, Scibior continues to attend public skating sessions with friends, family and even her old choreographer.
“I still occasionally skate with my older sister Jacqui. We love trying pair moves or difficult skills for fun,” she said.
Public skating isn’t the only time Violet has returned to the rink — since stepping away from the sport, she was recently invited to be a Showcase celebrity judge at the New Hartford competition. The role reversal was enlightening, giving her a chance to see skating from a new perspective and find an even greater appreciation for the sport.
“It was so cool to be on the opposite side of the bench, experiencing what it felt like to be the judge instead of the skater,” Scibior said.
Having lived her life in the spotlight, it was another welcome change.
