July 12, 2024
The state of Georgia SkillsUSA winners advanced to the national competition, which was held in Atlanta during the last week of June.
Representing STC at the national level were:
Heavenly Mincey competed in Nail Care, with Estrella Hernandez as her model. Both students are from Claxton.
Findlay Griner competed in Cosmetology. Findlay is from Metter.
The icon of the hands in the SkillsUSA logo symbolizes the search for knowledge and skill. Under the instruction of Cosmetology instructors Althea Coney-Ricks and Linda Hairr, respectfully, these students found just that.
We often hear, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
Griner spoke of her experience as invaluable, saying, “Wow! Where do I begin? During my first semester of school, I competed at SkillsUSA State, and I am so glad I did. I received a gold medal. That insured me a trip to NATIONALS!! I knew I had the skills and knowledge to compete with the very best. Having Mrs. Hairr by my side made it even better. Nationals was an experience I will never forget and has made me overcome so many of my fears. I started Cosmetology school in August of 2023, and having a teacher and mentor like Mrs. Hairr has been a blessing. She has pushed me through school and shown me how great I can be. Also, a huge thank you to my parents for supporting me in everything I do.”
“Findlay has proven herself to be a great student with a determination and a drive to excel, not often seen in a young lady her age. She is extremely talented, and I feel blessed to be a part of her journey. She is going to accomplish great things, and soon, people will recognize her name and her work, said Mrs. Hairr.
SkillsUSA is students’ number one workforce development organization, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. America’s proud champions of the skilled trades and largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce, the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference was held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
For more information on SkillsUSA at Southeastern Technical College, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.
Photo (L-R): STC Cosmetology Instructor Althea Coney-Ricks, Estrella Hernandez (Nail Care model), Heavenly Mincey (Nail Care student), Findley Grinder (Cosmetology student), and STC Cosmetology Instructor Linda Hairr
