The Lloydminster Comprehensive High School Barons are prepared and ready for their time on the big stage with Skills Canada Regionals right around the corner.
Lloyd Comp students will compete in the hairstyling competition at Lakeland College’s Lloydminster campus on Feb. 28.
Teacher Lisa Blanchette knows how much work goes into preparing for Skills Canada competitions.
“It’s the chance for students to get to showcase their skills and get the experience of competing in front of others,” she said.
She believes the competition gives them confidence and prepares them for the future. Getting ready requires dedication and lots of time.
“Students are super busy with their school schedules, their work schedules, and then adding this can be a little extra stress for them,” explained Blanchette.
“But it is something they really do enjoy, and it is a passion for them.”
Mamahil Mehmood competed last year and is returning this year feeling stronger.
“This time I’m feeling more confident than last time,” she said.
“Last time, I think there was not enough time for me to practice, but this time I did practice and I did work on myself.”
One of her biggest challenges is timing.
“My braiding skills, actually, and probably timing,” she said.
For Sophie Graham, competing in both bridal and braids adds even more pressure.
“Oh yeah, lots of stress,” she said, explaining she found one way to feel better. “I practiced earlier. That’s for sure.”
Meegan Clark sees the competition as a way to build her future. Clark has already started working at a job she hopes helps her in her inaugural appearance at the competition.
“I already have experience with the hair and doing it,” she said, noting she’s working at making hairstyling a career.
When it comes to the stress, everyone has a different way of handling it. Mehmood was asked how she deals with handling the nerves.
“Listen to music, actually and lots of deep breaths,” she said.
For Clark, stress management isn’t really part of the plan.
“I probably won’t,” she said with a laugh. “That’s always the good key. We’re just not going to. Stress management is zero.”
Blanchette knows that, win or lose, the students will gain valuable experience.
“Confidence. I hope they feel more confident being able to show what they’ve learned and their artistic side,” she said. “Just being able to get up in front of a crowd and show what they can do is huge.”
The program is growing, and Blanchette is proud of the partnerships they have built.
“One of our students is actually apprenticing right now with a salon in her Grade 12 year,” she said. “So we’re definitely growing and building more partnerships, which is great for students.”
The team looks forward to putting their best shears forward during the upcoming Skills Canada regional event at Lakeland College.
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