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SCC Laurel Campus student Kendra Roberts wins trip to Paris after winning First Place at the National SkillsUSA Competition
Kendra Roberts, a student in the Cosmetology Program on the Laurel Campus of Somerset Community College, won an all-expense paid trip to Paris, France, as a result of her First Place finish in the National SkillsUSA Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri, June 22-26, during the National SkillsUSA Conference.
In addition to her Gold Medal and trip to France, Roberts also won a $3,000 merchandise basket filled with equipment to help her begin her career.
During her visit to France, Roberts will be working with Salvatore Fodera, the President of Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), which translates “World Hair Organization.” Fodera was present at the National SkillsUSA Competition.
Fodera is the founder and owner of Salon Fodera located at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. He is a former Gold Medal winner of the World Hairdressing Championships.
At the conclusion of her visit to Paris, Roberts will have the opportunity to compete with the team from the United States in the World Hairdressing Championships in November, 2010. She will be competing against more than 800 hair, make-up and nail experts from more than 50 countries.
“The best way to describe the World Hairdressing Championships is to compare them to the Olympics. This event is the Olympics for Cosmetology,” said Regina “Kay” Swanner, Associate Professor in the Cosmetology Program on the SCC Laurel Campus.”
“We are so proud of Kendra,” said SCC President and CEO Dr. Jo Marshall. “To have one of our students competing in a world championship is quite an honor for SCC and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). At SCC, we prepare our students to the highest standards. Kendra’s success is one more example of the quality of our programs.”
Roberts graduated from SCC in May with a certificate in Cosmetology. She passed her state board exams in June and is now working at Unique Hair Boutique, (606) 878-5406, in the Dog Patch Center in London.
Roberts graduated from Leslie County High School. She moved to London 10 years ago. She is married to Todd Roberts. They have two children: Haleigh, 8, and Terrah, 7. They are members of the Harvest Time Pentecostal Church in London.
“It was awesome,” Roberts said of her victory. “It was held in the Kemper Arena in Kansas City. There were 10,000 people in the audience and 50 competitors. I was shocked when they called my name. Kay (Swanner, her professor) was screaming and crying. It was one of the highlights of my life.”
Roberts has never been on an airplane. She said, “I’ve never been to Europe, but I’ve always wanted to travel. I’m really looking forward to going to Paris and working with Mr. Fodera’s staff.”
More than 5,000 students competed at the national event in more than 91 occupational and leadership skill areas. Roberts advanced to the national competition by winning the Regional event held at the Laurel Campus of SCC. She then won a Gold Medal (First Place) at the Kentucky SkillUSA Competition held in Louisville in April. Twelve Somerset Community College students won First Place awards at the state event.
Somerset Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution of higher education. SCC has campuses in Somerset and London, centers in Clinton, McCreary, Casey and Russell Counties. The website is www.somerset.kctcs.edu. Call for admission and registration information toll free at 1-877-629-9722.
KCTCS serves the Commonwealth through 16 community and technical college districts that form a seamless system of 62 campuses open or under construction. KCTCS colleges change lives by providing accessible and affordable education and training through academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.
