Students from Plant City High School’s cosmetology department in Florida have won yet another state title. The school has taken a state title for 12 out of the last 13 years.
Laurel Ritenbaugh, a teacher in the cosmetology program says it never ceases to thrill her when her students win a title. She says each year, when the announcement comes that Plant City High has taken another title it’s just as exciting as the first time. She credits her students’ success to hard work and dedication.
Chloe Fusion, Emily Rosenbaum and Chloe Christie make up the winning trio of stylists. Each one practiced their presentation to as many people as they could in the days leading up to the competition.
This year, students won in the category of community service by giving a presentation of the school’s commitment to providing free services to special needs students. Christie admitted that they were all nervous but their hard work paid off when their names were announced as state title winners. The students gave a PowerPoint presentation that described the work they do with special needs students.
Jade Curren, an 18-year-old special needs student received a Disney princess hairstyle and was all smiles.
The cosmetology department has been offering the free services to special needs students for many years, offering manicures, cuts and styling. It also sponsors an annual event, “Every Buddies Beautiful Fashion Show,” in which all of the models are disabled students.
Kaitlyn Brevik, a 16 year old student also received honors for taking second place in the men’s haircutting category, winning a silver medal and an opportunity to advance to the national competition
Students will now advance to the national competition sponsored by Skills USA, which will be held in Louisville, KY.