By Rob Kinch and Heidi Nielsen
Rahway High School sophomore, Vanessa Spangle, was recently honored with a Gold Medal award in a statewide SkillsUSA Esthetics competition. SkillsUSA, the event sponsor, is a partnership dedicated to helping students prepare for entering a skilled workforce. The event was comprised of 130 categories and held at Somerset Vocational Technical High School, with 2,00 students all ‘going for the gold.’
Along with the other contestants being assessed for their technique and professionalism, Vanessa was tested in the following areas: an oral skin consultation, a written exam covering the fundamentals of skin care, sanitation, skin analysis, a hands-on basic facial demonstration, and a fantasy make-up application. Rising above all other contestants, Vanessa stole the show winning the entire competition.
RHS Guidance Counselor Robert Zech offered, “Vanessa performed with outstanding distinction and is a source of tremendous pride for both Rahway High School and the Union County Vocational Technical High School.”
Not new to the world of cosmetology, Vanessa has been practicing esthetics since the age of 7, applying make-up for friends and family and experimenting on herself. She has been hired to do make-up for weddings, proms, bridal showers, and baby showers. Vanessa is especially excited to be doing make-up for some of the RHS students attending this year’s prom!
When asked about her future goals, she stated confidently, “I have big plans; I’m going to open my own business; a salon that will offer everything: hair, make-up, nails, spa, etcetera.”
Although Vanessa feels “honored to have competed against such talented individuals and won,” she hopes to achieve the same level of excellence as she takes her skills to the next level on June 25, 2018 when she will represent New Jersey and compete for the SkillsUSA National title in Kentucky. The entire Rahway High School community wishes Vanessa the best of luck when she competes in Kentucky and the best of success in all her future endeavors.
(above, left) RHS sophomore, Vanessa Spangle, was honored with a Gold Medal award in a statewide SkillsUSA Esthetics competition.
