Nicolet College cosmetology students triumph at SkillsUSA competition

Two Nicolet College cosmetology students won gold and silver medals at the recent SkillsUSA competition in Madison.

 In the barbering competition, Axle Jacobs clinched the gold medal, marking the second consecutive year that a Nicolet College student placed first in this event.

 “I felt prepared and confident. It was a great experience, and I had a big smile on my face when I won,” Jacobs said in a press release announcing his accomplishment. “I’m proud to represent Nicolet College.” 

With the victory, he will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in June.

In the cosmetology competition, Ruby Mischler secured the silver medal.

 “I have to thank my teachers and classmates. This exposed me to a new learning experience,” Mischler said.

 SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Three Nicolet students were among more than 2,000 students, teachers, and other professionals who took part in the event.

Nicolet student Autumn Pond also competed in the cosmetology competition and said it was one of the best things she has ever done.

 “We are proud of our students’ outstanding achievements at the SkillsUSA competition,” remarked Marie Stott, Nicolet College cosmetology instructor. “Their success reflects not only their hard work and dedication but also the team efforts of our entire faculty and staff. We are committed to providing top-notch education and preparing our students for rewarding careers as professionals in this industry.” 

Rachael Reilly, a Tomahawk High School senior, competed in the Cosmetology High School Competition and took home bronze. Reilly plans to attend Nicolet College this fall and earn her cosmetology degree.

 For more information about the program, visit Nicolet College in-person, online at nicoletcollege.edu, or call (715) 365-4493, 1-800-544-3039, ext. 4493; TTY 1-800-947-3529 or 711 relay. 

 The summer term starts May 6, and the fall term starts August 26. 

Both terms provide additional opportunities to start depending on the course and program.

Nicolet College Cosmetology Students Take Third Place at America’s Beauty Show

 Nicolet cosmetology students Raven Carufel and Axle Jacobs, along with student model Isabella Hulsey, took third place in the Student Team Competition, Cyberpunk Fantasy, at America’s Beauty Show, held in Chicago on Monday, April 22.

 The Student Team Competition is a dynamic showcase of innovative hairstyling, makeup artistry, and overall aesthetic presentation, according to a Nicolet press release. Characterized by its fusion of futuristic aesthetics with gritty urban elements, Cyberpunk design demands ingenuity, technical finesse, and synergy. Team events are all about the power of imagination, collaboration, and efficiency in working together, both creatively and technically, the release states.

 Open to enrolled cosmetology, barber, esthetic, nail, and makeup students, this prestigious competition pits two-student teams against each other in a thrilling race against the clock. Students had 60 minutes to craft intricate hairstyles and makeup looks. From vibrant hair colors to meticulous nail art, every detail contributed to the final look.

 “Raven, Axle, and Isabella demonstrated their talent, dedication, and teamwork throughout this competition. Their success is a testament to their hard work and education at Nicolet College,” Stott said.

 The panel of judges included Penny Burns from Beauty Cast Network, along with social media influencers Meg Hardee, Siri Sparks, Stew Vann, Bailey Lavender and Kendra Matthies.

 Thirty-two students competed in the show, representing schools from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.