Sharon Barnard Cosmetology Program Manager
Not a doo - She's a doer!
by Amber Olbrot
The Cosmetology program at KACC has been around for many
years and has many, many success stories when it comes to
individual students' careers and their performance in Skills
USA competitions. None of these successes are possible without the
hard working, Sharon
Barnard, Cosmetology Program Manager.
Sharon Barnard started KACC's Cosmetology program from scratch in 1990. She built the program from the ground up, beginning with whopping 60 students right off the bat. This year, the department serves 80 students, a perfect amount for the learning environment. There have been many years of hard work by Ms. Barnard, her fellow cosmetology instructors and good students to create the incredible program we have available today.
Before coming to KACC, Ms. Barnard earned her cosmetology license and owned a salon. As any business owner does, Ms. Barnard became quite familiar with running a successful business and being her own boss. While owning her salon, Mrs. Barnard attended a private college in Danville, finishing her degree.
Ms. Barnard's desire to teach then led her to various schools teaching cosmetology and sharing her profession with others. After a couple of years, she came to KACC to initiate the Cosmetology program. By doing so, Ms. Barnard created an opportunity for high school students to embark in the necessary training and preparation for licensure to begin practicing their profession instead of waiting until after graduation to begin their education.
When all the state regulations were investigated and compliance in place, Ms. Barnard worked to design the department, select equipment and supplied. When all this was done, it was time to open the doors to a new world for KACC students.
Ms. Barnard is proud of what her students accomplish each and every year. She loves to see them develop, not only in their craft, but also in the style in which they lead their lives.
When questioned about her most memorable moments during her tenure at KACC, Ms. Barnard spoke of the Hair Spray Project Show. The show was held at KACC where students styled hair in a 1960's theme. Another was the SkillsUSA National Title, earned by cosmetology student, Jen Miaczynski this past June. Ms. Barnard stated her students have gone on to be successful stylists, salon owners, and one who is now a platform artist. Platform Artists get up in front of crowds to demonstrate the newest techniques in styling and coloring hair.
In the area of manicures and pedicures, Ms. Barnard's student Crystal Kantor from Beecher High School was recognized and given an award by OPI Nail Corporation. She earned a first place for her portfolio and an award of $250 in OPI Nail Products. Crystal also went on to earn a bronze medal at the National SillsUSA competition.
KACC's Cosmetology Class always has something to look forward to each and every school year in the area of extracurricular professional excellence. Ms. Barnard's students regularly participate in SkillsUSA, both at the state, national and even qualifying to particpate internationally next year! The SkillsUSA competitions are rigorous and require lots of additional time and dedication from the students and instructors. Ms. Barnard has had very regular success stories annually from State and National competition - and her students don't get to national without placing first at the state level!
Ms. Barnard's students have earned 2 National gold medals in cosmetology and 1 bronze medal in nails; and an incredible 7 SkillsUSA State gold medals in the past 8 years. These successes are proof positive of the fantastic strides students make over their two years in the Cosmetology program.
Ms. Barnard says she's "always happiest to see her students succeed in their craft," and "just making a difference in their lives. I never want to see one of my students sell themselves short. When things get tough, I help them push their way through. We are sure to have a bit of fun along the way - don't get me wrong. I just want to see everyone do the very best they can and be happy in their chosen profession."
