Local CTE Student to Compete at National Skills USA Competition

Ellicottville, NY – June 1, 2022 – Olivia Payne, a senior from Franklinville Central School and a CTE Center at Ellicottville Cosmetology student, will soon compete at the National Skills USA competition at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Skills USA events are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Key areas of competition include communication, construction, heavy equipment operation, cosmetology, welding, animal sciences, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, human services, information technology, leadership, manufacturing, and STEM.

As part of the national competition, students will be competing under rigorous framework skills from SkillsUSA including work ethic, professionalism, responsibility, adaptability and flexibility, self-motivation, communication, teamwork, job-specific skills, health & safety, leadership, organization and management. The overall purpose of the competition is to evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of cosmetology. The four separate skill performance tests assess skills in haircutting, hair styling, hair color and long hair design.

CA BOCES WBL Coordinator and former Cosmetology instructor, Tracy Guntrum, said: “Olivia has proven herself as an outstanding student from day one. Her passion, professionalism, and outstanding work ethic was proven by her determination to attend the Cosmetology program. She has paved the way for other top academic students to see career tech as a viable path in higher education and career readiness. We could not ask for a better representative for our center and state. Good Luck Olivia, you have made us all proud!”

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.