"It's More Than Just Playing With Hair"- A Deeper Look Into The Cosmetology Department

Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead

The second semester brings class registration with it, and the students at Watauga High School begin to plan for the upcoming school year. But when familiar classes are missing from next year's schedule, students are left questioning what this means for them and their plans for the future. One department that suffered greatly from uncertainty and confusion was Watauga's cosmetology department. 

Before this school year, the cosmetology department had always had two teachers, but after the retirement of one teacher and the inability to find another, the department was left with just one. This meant that the cosmetology teacher, Ms. Angie Alexander, had to give up her planning block in order to keep the same amount of students in the class. This arrangement was only supposed to be temporary, but with state budget cuts limiting the school from hiring another teacher, it was announced that no new teacher would be hired. 

"All cosmetology students are concerned about plans changing with this upcoming school year," said senior cosmetology student, Piper Corey. "Mainly reducing enrollment from 20 students to 7, and the fact that these students will be selected by computer-based lottery, regardless of the talent, grades, and proficiencies that these students have put into this program." 

The state of North Carolina only allows for each cosmetology teacher to have 20 students working under them per class period. Having 2 teachers would allow up to 40 students working per class period. Wiggle room was provided this year since there was plan to hire a new teacher and the Cos I students were already promised the class. Going into next year, though, this wouldn't be allowed. So, the only fair solution was to use a computer-based lottery to determine which Cos I students would get to move on to Cos II. 

"It hurts my heart to know that these kids have put so much time and effort in, and they were given this oppurtunity, just for it to be taken right out of their hands," said Corey.

Though the cosmetology department felt discouraged and defeated, the students didn't give up. Students go into the cosmetology pathway with their future career in mind. This years' students weren't going to let budget cuts or scheduling conflicts get in the way of ther future.

"I put Dr. Stark, our CTE director, and Dr. Strickler's email adresses on the board," said Alexander, "and I told the kids, 'I've got some information for you, but when I'm done, if you have any questions that I cannot answer, then this is who you need to email.'"

When the cosmetology students felt that they needed better answers, they took their concerns to the school board, and made sure their voices were heard.

"We went to the board meeting, and we got to speak," said Alexander. "I told the kids, 'I'm going to be there to support you but I'm not going to speak'. I knew I would cry, and I knew that I just needed to be neutral at that point."

2 parents and 1 student spoke during public comment section at the school board meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026. Those that didn't speak were in attendance to support the program. With only 3 minutes to speak each, they were able to covey the strong emotions of frustration and discontent with the new changes to the program. The group left the meeting feeling hopeful for the program.

"Mr.Vining came up to me at a staff meeting, and he goes, 'I just heard some news, and that's not fair', said Alexander. "So, he actually got on the phone with Ray Pickett, our state representative, and Ray Pickett was like 'I'm going to make some phone calls, this is not going to happen.'"

After much fight and persistance, the cosmetology department was able to hear just what they were hoping for. Watauga High School had found the funds to hire a part time cosmetology teacher. The class wouldn't have to be cut, and the Cos I students were able to move on to Cos II. The cosmetology department fought for what they believed was right, and got to experience their voices being heard.

"The day I told those kids, I saw tears," said Alexander. "I don't want them to lose the opportunity to do something they love, and that they love to do just because of funding. Because there are funds out there, they just needed to spend it on the right thing."