Beyond the Classroom: CFISD Cosmetology Students Build Real-World Careers Through Award-Winning CTE Program
For many Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students, success after graduation is no longer defined by a single path.
At the district’s annual CFISD Cosmetology Competition, students from campuses across the district showcased technical talent, creativity and professional readiness in fields ranging from barbering and hairstyling to nail artistry and makeup application.
But beyond the awards and competition categories, the event reflected a broader shift happening across Texas and the nation: more students are exploring career and technical education programs that offer direct entry into growing industries without requiring a traditional four-year university degree.
The competition celebrated students who are already building professional credentials, gaining client experience and preparing for employment opportunities while still in high school — an approach that continues gaining attention as workforce demands evolve and families look for practical, affordable career pathways.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is projected to grow faster than average through 2034, with approximately 84,200 job openings expected annually nationwide. Industry experts point to steady consumer demand for beauty and personal care services, along with increased interest in specialized services such as lash treatments, skincare and advanced cosmetology certifications.
At the same time, career and technical education programs have seen rising enrollment nationally as students and parents weigh alternatives to rising college costs and increasing student loan debt. Programs that allow students to graduate with workforce-ready certifications, entrepreneurial skills and direct industry experience are becoming an increasingly important part of public education conversations.
Inside CFISD’s cosmetology competition, that future was on full display.
Students competed in categories including haircutting, coloring, nail artistry, braiding, barbering, salon presentation and live makeup application. Award recipients represented multiple CFISD campuses, showcasing the district’s investment in hands-on career training programs.
Scarlett Maldonado of Cypress Park High School earned the competition’s Best of Show honor for her overall performance.
Cypress Park students earned several additional awards, including Kevin Tovar Miramontes for Best in Men’s Cut and Color, Alexa Cabrera for Best in Flat Nail Art, Lussianna Gomez Gonzalez for Best in 3D Nail Art, Laura Costero Diaz for Best in Fantasy, Miyah Garcia for Best in Women’s Cut and Color, Serina Garcia for Best in Live Nail Art and Bryanna Angeles for Best in Live Fantasy Make-up.
Cy-Fair High School students Victoria Sierra Hernandez, Mackenzie Curttie, Emilio Portillo and Joselyn Flores were recognized in categories including updo styling, live wigs, barbering and live 3D nails.
Jersey Village High School students Genesis Gonzalez and Luisa Valeria Coreas also earned honors, alongside Bridgeland High School student Audrey Fisher and Cypress Woods High School student Jamaya Johnson.
In addition to competition awards, seven CFISD cosmetology students earned lash certifications this year, adding industry-recognized credentials before graduation.
For instructors like Cypress Park cosmetology teacher Darla Drake, the competition represents more than artistic achievement. It reflects the growing value of workforce-ready education and the opportunities students can access immediately after high school.
“Our students are not joining cosmetology just to learn about hair, skin or nails,” Drake said. “They are learning the technical skills required by the industry, but they are also learning professionalism, client communication and how to build and manage a business.”
That entrepreneurial component has become increasingly important in the beauty industry, where many professionals eventually operate independent businesses, lease salon space or launch their own brands.
Drake said earning certifications during high school can provide students with an important advantage as they begin building careers.
“When students graduate with their certification, many are able to secure employment immediately,” Drake said. “The program gives them a head start in building a career, whether they choose to work in a salon or barber shop, pursue advanced training or eventually open their own business.”
The rise of career-focused programs like cosmetology also reflects changing attitudes toward education and workforce preparation. While four-year universities remain a goal for many students, schools across the country are increasingly emphasizing multiple post-graduation pathways, including skilled trades, certifications, apprenticeships and technical careers.
In communities like Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, those programs are helping students discover careers that align with both their talents and local workforce needs.
For families, the impact can extend beyond graduation day. Programs that allow students to leave high school with professional experience, industry certifications and entrepreneurial training can create earlier earning potential and reduced educational debt while helping fill high-demand industries across Texas.
As workforce shortages continue affecting service industries nationwide, cosmetology programs are becoming an important pipeline for future professionals, small business owners and licensed specialists.
And for the students recognized during this year’s competition, the event marked more than a school contest. For many, it represented the beginning of a profession they are already actively building.
For more local education and community news from across Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Editor's Note: This article incorporates reporting contributions from Toluwalase Odewenwa of Cypress Park High School through the High School Journalism Network collaboration. Through an established partnership with CFISD, My Neighborhood News is proud to support CFISD journalism students.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
