Their focus was palpable, their fingers nimble and their talent evident.

Students from across South Carolina gathered at the Lexington Two Innovation Center on April 20 for the Annual Catherine Kelly Battle of the Schools, an event meant for barbering and cosmetology schools to show off their talents. 

Six Lexington Two Innovation Center students, according to a press release from Lexington County School District Two, brought home awards from the event, which was sponsored by the Palmetto State Barbers Association: Calvin Torres-Porter, first place, Barbering Fade No Design; Summer Moore, second place, Barbering Afro Styling; Kennel Santos, second place, Barbering Clipper Cut and Shear Combo; Gabriela Guzman, first place, Cosmetology Bridal Hairstyling; Clarissa Irby, second place, Cosmetology/Barbering Braid/Lock/Twist; Alanis Cruz, first place, Creative Nail Design; Ashilee Harrison, first place, Natural Makeup.

"There were 10 hair, makeup and nail events, with judges from the barbering and cosmetology industries rating students as they worked, noting their technique, complexity, and creativity. Individual competitions ranged from 45 minutes to 75 minutes, with most events using live models," according to the press release. "Schiria Wilson, director of the Lexington Two Innovation Center, said these kinds of competitions are important for her students, most of whom earn their professional licenses at the center even before graduating high school."

Loved ones of those competing, as well as other students, were able to sit and watch as tons of different people were getting their hair, makeup or nails done by contestants.

“The Palmetto State Barbering and Cosmetology competition showcased excellence in both teaching and learning,” Wilson said in the release. “Today, we witnessed skill on display gained from top notch instruction provided by two of the industry's finest professionals, Ms. Sherkeria Elkins and Mr. Chet Henderson. For our students, exposure to these types of learning opportunities builds their confidence to continually sharpen their craft, beyond their licensure, to become successful practitioners in the barbering/cosmetology industry.”

Catherine Kelly, for whom the event was named, died on Sept. 29, 2024. 

"Her career began at the SC State Hospital in the mid '70s, where she worked as a nurse before pursuing her passion for barbering," according to her obituary. "She attended The Patterson School of Barbering in Columbia, SC and rose to become a master barber and instructor. A trailblazer in every sense, Catherine was a rare gem—a female barber who defied the odds in a male-dominated field.

"Catherine was the first and only female barber at Stroy’s Barber Shop on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia, SC. In 1990, with determination, vision and the support of the Archer Family, she opened Cat’s Barber Shop and the Nail Clinic School of Manicuring on Blanding Street, becoming the first female African-American proprietor in downtown Columbia."