A competition is most often played on an athletic field or court, but not this one.

Roughly 75 students from several schools across the state participated in the Annual Catherine Kelly Battle of the Schools, a premier event in which barbering and cosmetology students put their skills to the test.  The event, presented by the Palmetto State Barbers Association, was held April 20 at the Lexington Two Innovation Center. It was coordinated on site by Innovation Center barbering instructor Chet Henderson and cosmetology instructor Sherkeria Elkins. 

There were 10 hair, makeup and nail events, with judges from the barbering and cosmetology industries rating students as they worked, noting their technique, complexity, and creativity. Individual competitions ranged from 45 minutes to 75 minutes, with most events using live models.

Schiria Wilson, director of the Lexington Two Innovation Center, said these kinds of competitions are important for her students, most of whom earn their professional licenses at the center even before graduating high school. Six Innovation Center students brought home awards from the competition.

Six Lexington Two Innovation Center students brought home awards from the April 20 competition: Calvin Torres-Porter, first place, Barbering Fade No Design; Summer Moore, second place, Barbering Afro Styling; Kennel Santos, second place, Barbering Clipper Cut and Shear Combo; Gabriela Guzman, first place, Cosmetology Bridal Hairstyling; Clarissa Irby, second place, Cosmetology/Barbering Braid/Lock/Twist; Alanis Cruz, first place, Creative Nail Design; Ashilee Harrison, first place, Natural Makeup.

“The Palmetto State Barbering and Cosmetology competition showcased excellence in both teaching and learning,” Wilson said. “Today, we witnessed skill on display gained from top notch instruction provided by two of the industry’s finest professionals, Ms. Sherkeria Elkins and Mr. Chet Henderson. For our students, exposure to these types of learning opportunities builds their confidence to continually sharpen their craft, beyond their licensure, to become successful practitioners in the barbering/cosmetology industry.”