OMAHA, Neb. — Hays Academy of Hair Design, with locations in Hays and Salina, took home the top honors in all three categories at the Wella Midwest School Show.

CEO of Nuts and Bolts Business Training Company Jim Yates was in attendance as a judge and guest speaker and shared this, “Once again, Hays Academy shows how good their schools and staff really are. Their passion for producing real salon ready successful graduates is unsurpassed in our industry … and, oh yes, they’re really nice people as well.”

Ashley Paulson, instructor at the Salina campus, came away with top honors in the instructor competition. One instructor represented each school that attended the show. In the Wella Color category, Alayna Henzler, Hays campus student, took first place and Mary Lavin, Salina Campus student took second. In the Sebastian What’s Next category, Salina campus student Colton Yungeberg took first place, as well.

The students had two hours of preparation time prior to being judged by a panel of seven judges. Hays Academy of Hair Design had over 60 students and staff members attending the show with many competing. Len Melvin, marketing director stated, “I am just so pleased that we had so many students step outside of their comfort zone to compete. There can only be one winner in each category, however I think all of our students came away winners from the experience alone. I am very proud of our students and staff members.”

Danielle Markley, co-owner of Hays Academy of Hair Design said, “At Hays Academy, we strive to push our students out of their comfort zones to help them grow not only on their technical skills but also personal growth. Competing in competitions is one way we do this. It allows for our students to be creative and to compare their skills with other students in the nation. We also push for continued education beyond what they are provided inside our doors; as education and growth is the foundation of what our industry is all about.”