A-Tech student wins scholarship
Mar. 12—JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — An Ashtabula County Technical Technical and Career Campus cosmetology student stepped out of his comfort zone and his choice paid dividends.
J.P. Kish, 17, was challenged by his teachers, Tracy Sprague and Kim Hess, to enter a hair cutting contest held March 3 at the Solon Community Center.
Sixteen contestants participated in the event sponsored by Great Clips, Kish said he was the youngest, competing against women in their 20s and 30s.
He said he was the only male at the event and was a bit intimidated when contestants were wheeling in equipment in large containers.
He said he didn't know if they were "moving in" or getting ready for the competition.
Kish said each contestant had 40 minutes to create a specific female haircut and 30 minutes for a male haircut.
"I got done with the cut in 15-20 minutes," he said of the female cut that began the competition.
He said he was a bit nervous at the start but once he started cutting he was ready to go.
"After five minutes I was feeling it," he said.
He said he then competed in the male haircut category.
Kish won both and earned a $1,000 scholarship for any type of education he chooses to use it on.
Kish needs 1,500 hours for his cosmetology license and 1,800 hours for a barber license. He said the cosmetology hours count toward the barber requirements as well.
"My dad had his cosmetology license," he said.
Kish said his sister also has a license.
In his spare time Kish competes in dirt-bike racing at area tracks and in other locations.
Kish his presently doing an internship at Hess's salon in Painesville.
Sprague said she has a lot of male students who ask Kish to cut their hair during study hall. She said there are 18 seniors in the cosmetology program and 22 juniors.
"He is a fantastic student. We are very proud of him," said A-Tech Director of Career Technical Education and Business Partnerships Krista Shean.
She said Kish is the epitome of A-Tech students expanding opportunities for themselves.
