San Jacinto cosmetology students to represent Texas at National SkillsUSA Conference

HOUSTON – Three San Jacinto College South students will represent the top 2 percent of the nation’s technical students this summer after taking home first place at the recent 2009 SkillsUSA State Texas Leadership and Skills Conference in San Antonio.

Teresa Towery of Webster, Bre Whitehead of Manvel and Janelle Gonzales of Lake Jackson beat out dozens of competitors from a variety of technical fields to advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference on June 22-27 in Kansas City, Mo. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations.

“This is such an honor for our students,” said Dana Belt, cosmetology instructor at the South campus, and SkillsUSA advisor. “They won these awards while competing against other students from across all technical fields and across the state.”

Towery placed first in the esthetics category, while Whitehead won her category for best customer service skills and Gonzales won for best cosmetology hair skills. The three students were also joined by 19 of their San Jacinto College peers, taking home a total of 24 medals that included nine gold, six silver and nine bronze.

Whitehead said the conference not only allowed her to showcase her talents; it has further prepared her for her line of work.

“This was a great opportunity that helped me develop leadership in customer service, a skill that’s vital in all fields.” Whitehead said. “We had to demonstrate problem solving skills, brainstorm ideas and participate in mock scenarios.”

San Jacinto College serves more than 24,500 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu.