Kimberly Pipkin, Valdosta Technical College Nail Tech Instructor, recently accompanied Lowndes High School Junior Brandi Paramore to the SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta. Brandi placed 3rd in the Nail Tech Competition. She had to perform 5 sculptured nails, take a written nail test, a SkillsUSA test and submit a resume.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization that is designed to be run by students, for their own growth and benefit. Through chapter meetings, contests, leadership conferences, and activities students are able to build skills in technical and academic fields while increasing their employability. The SkillsUSA competition is a chance to compete against other students in the Technical College System of Georgia.

In addition to the award she received at the competition, Brandi Paramore is doing something unique during her high school career. While attending high school, she has been enrolled at Valdosta Technical College in the Nail Technology program. Brandi participates in what is called Dual Enrollment classes that are offered by the college at Lowndes HS.  Students like Brandi are able to get a jump start on a career through these programs while still in high school.

As an upcoming senior, Brandi is already thinking about her future. She plans on enrolling in night classes at VTC to complete her Cosmetology Degree. After graduating from Lowndes, she plans on using her Cosmetology education to help her pay her way through VSU and obtain a degree in Sports Medicine.