Erica Flatt, Charger Staff
One of CHS’s best kept secrets is about to be revealed. How much do you
know about our cosmetology program? I guarantee not as much as you will when
you finish reading this.
Cosmetology classes help students to prepare for careers in the cosmetology
profession. Careers range from cosmetology to nail care, Esthetics, owning your
own business, manufacturer’s representative or chemist, and teaching. Growing
interest lies in students seeking careers in nail care more today than in the
past. Tennessee offers a manicuring license so that a student may only focus
on nails and not just hair.
Students in cosmetology classes receive training in many fields based on a
curriculum that’s made by the the State Board of Cosmetology and the Department
of Education. CHS cosmetology classes offer the same instruction that a student
would receive at a Tennessee Technology Center or private cosmetology school.
Tennessee requires that a total of 1500 hours of training be acquired by a student
to take an exam and receive a license. Students enrolled at CHS begin accumulating
hours from the day they enroll in the program. To acquire hours, they must be
present in class and maintain at least a passing average.
As a part of the class, students participate in SkillsUSA-VICA. Students are
taught to develop leadership and technical skills, goals, and they are exposed
to business and industry. Students in SkillsUSA-VICA are given opportunities
to receive scholarships. Last year, over $360,000 was awarded to students across
the state.
CHS students compete in leadership events through SkillsUSA-VICA. They begin
at a local level, advance to Regionals, State, and finally Nationals. Senior
Laci Dyke was a first place winner in both local and regional nail competition
last year and finished second in the state and third in the nation. 
Recently, the class received an award from the Parks and Recreation Board of
Tennessee from a nomination by the local Department of Leisure Services for
the class’s continued volunteer work at the annual Enchanted Kingdom. 25-30
students work each night volunteering a total of over 1800 hours of work. The
class also volunteers their help and work to the Drama Center, special needs
students throughout the county, Families First, Genesis House, and other groups.
A major part of CHS’s success in cosmetology is teacher Martha Dyer. She
began her training in high school at Abilene, Texas. Dyer owned her first salon
at the age of 20. While filling the role of wife and mother to three sons, she
worked part time and began teaching in 1985. She has accumulated a total of
32 years of working and teaching experience.
Many students plan to further their careers and hope to own their own salons
one day. Says Junior Clara Murphey, “Cosmetology helps me plan for my future
because of the skills involved. The skills in this class help inform of not
only this career, but any career.”
Dyer says of the class’s importance, “I think all teachers believe
their class is the most important one of all. While I don’t necessarily
think that about mine, I do see students benefiting from the class. Many students
are able to work in a career and not just a job when they graduate from high
school. I also think students need to feel successful about something in their
lives and sometimes it is my class that causes that to happen. I have seen students
blossom in many different ways from the time they are sophomores until they
graduate. Some of my students are just awesome.”
Senior Rhonda Young feels that the experiences she has received from the class
will help her and make her a great cosmetologist one day. She says of the class,
“I think it is a wonderful class. It makes you more mature and more professional.”
Sophomore Lisa Gaw plans to be a cosmetologist one day and looks to this class
as preparation steps towards her goals. Says Gaw, “This class helps much
with social skills. During lab, we are given a chance to bond with each other.
It is essential to have good communication skills in this class.”
The class offers any services available at any other salon. The lab is open
every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning for appointments. Students must
come by and pick up a permission slip to be signed by their teacher before they’re
allowed to make an appointment during class time. Anyone interested in making
appointments who is not a student may call 520-2048 ext. 2119. Students make
appointments with clients in the community as well.
Prices are very reasonable starting at $2 for a cut, style, or manicure up
to $15 for a color, perm, or set of acrylic nails. Dyer reminds customers that,
“This is a career that has on-going training forever. I do have some students
who are as good as those who are already licensed. But if you come in for a
service, don’t expect to be in and out in 15 minutes. It takes us longer.
I try to check all work before anyone leaves, so it takes time.”
So if you’re thinking about a new look and are looking for a bargain price try our very own cosmetology class. We’re sure you’ll be impressed and look and feel great when you leave. Cosmetology. . . CHS’s best kept secret.
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