Hays Academy of Hair Design, with locations in Hays and Salina, took home the top three places and had six students in the top 10 of the annual Sassoon International Connection School cut and color competition in Long Beach, Calif.

Julie Lang, La Crosse, took home the top honors; Phoenix Hobdell, Stockton, was second; and Michelle Alexandres, Salina, was third. This marks the second consecutive year Hays Academy has taken home the top honors, as well as having had six in the top 10.

Nuts and Bolts Training Program announced the winners of its seventh annual International Business Student of the Year Awards, as well, at the International Salon & Spa Expo.

For the first time for Hays Academy, Hays campus student Brittney Dreiling, Hill City, was awarded first place in the cosmetology category, taking home a prize package totaling more than $9,000.

“This was a huge win for Hays Academy staff and students! Entering these competitions allows us the opportunity to see how we match up with other schools across the world,” said Danielle Markley, co-owner of Hays Academy of Hair Design. “Our staff and students work so hard all year to prepare for these two competitions so its great to see that hard work pays off. We have entered for the past several years and each time never giving up, but continuing to improve, change and learn. Therefore, I hope it’s a great example to all people out there that success doesn’t happen over night and sometimes it takes a lot of persistence and adversity to make it to the top.”