Ziranda Brings Home The Gold

Courtesy of Southeastern Technical College

Southeastern Technical College Cosmetology Student Jacqueline Ziranda gained national honors for her work in Nail Care at the National SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary Competition in Atlanta last month.

Ziranda, her model — fellow STC Cosmetology Student Teaira Benjamin, and her Cosmetelogy Instructors Linda Hairr and Jamie Lambert all traveled to Atlanta for the event on June 18-24. The instructors shared that it was Ziranda’a hard work, dedication, and skills that led to this accomplishment.

Instructor Hairr echoed this, as she remarked, “Jacqueline’s discipline and dedication to her education are most impressive. She is an extremely creative and talented young lady. That, combined with her kind, sweet, humble nature has been instrumental in her success. Working with Jackie and getting to know her personally has been a joy. She’s an amazing young woman, and I’m eager to see where this career takes her.”

Instructor Lambert spoke similar sentiments about Ziranda, as she compared her to a ray of sunshine. “It is a pleasure to have her in class each day. Her positive, upbeat attitude is so refreshing and her willingness to sacrifice her time to help others speaks volumes,” she added. Ziranda first began the College’s cosmetology program in Swainsboro as a Dual Enrollment student from Metter High School and is now nearing her graduation. Other STC Placements

Gavin Jackson represented the College in the Electronics Technology competition. Jackson was directed by Instructor Chip Greene and placed in the category’s Top 5 Finishes.

He commented on this accomplishment, “This was the biggest event I’ve been to, and it is such a high level of prestige. I’m honored to be among all the winners, but I would like to extend special thanks to my instructor, Mr. Greene. Without him, I would not be capable of this achievement. National SkillsUSA was an exciting experience. We need more people in the electronics field. It’s guaranteed work and not many people are training for it.”

For more information on Southeastern Technical College, or visit www. southeasterntech.edu, or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA has a mission to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. They work to improve the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. The organization’s vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.

The state of Georgia had a fifty percent increase in SkillsUSA membership this year. Georgia accounted for 55 National medals — 32 Gold, 11 Silver, and 12 Bronze.

ZIRANDA’S SUPPORT – Ziranda received a lot of support from her fellow cosmetology student, Teiara Benjamin, who served as her model in the competition, as well as her instructors. L to R: Jacqueline Ziranda, Teiara Benjamin, Linda Hairr, Jamie Lambert.