Students win top spots at SkillsUSA State Fair Competitions
Delilah Sherrod
Three students from ĢƵ’s cosmetology program placed in the SkillsUSA State Fair Competitions held Oct. 24 in Raleigh. A live technical skill showcase, the competition gives high school and community college students an opportunity to demonstrate their talent to judges while competing with peers from across the state.
Delilah Sherrod, a high school student earning college credits through ĢƵ’s cosmetology program, won first place in the Anything But Hair competition. Iyanna Brazeal secured fifth place in the same category. Participants style a mannequin with unique supplies. The style must coincide with the theme, and each participant chooses their own theme. All work is done on site with students judged on creativity, fashion and the unconventional materials used.
Alyssa Cherry won fourth place followed by Britany Cruz Marquez at fifth in the Total Fantasy Hair and Makeup competition. Students were given an Animal Kingdom theme and chose their styling based on that theme. Marquez also received third place in the Total Style Showcase, where creativity and styling ideas were prepared in advance. In this category, a portfolio must be completed to show that students did the work.
“We are extremely proud of these young ladies,” said Ebony Sheppard, cosmetology instructor and SkillsUSA advisor. “Preparing for and participating in competitions requires time, commitment, patience and courage. Whether they walked away with a placement or gained valuable experience, each student has given us something to celebrate.”
The SkillsUSA State Fair Competitions are a precursor to the SkillsUSA State Competition held annually in Greensboro, NC.
“We encourage them to do the state fair because it’s an introduction to what it may be like in Greensboro,” said Sheppard.
Other outstanding ĢƵ competitors were Taylor Coffield, Titiyana Lawson and Verenice Pena Charrez.