If you’re looking for the best, ‘hair’ she is

By SCOTT POWELL

Cherokee Technology Center cosmetology teacher Claudia Hammons observes as her student Fanchon Knuckles works on a client in class Thursday. Ledger Staff Writer

The Associational Cosmetology Teachers in Vocational Education (ACTIVE) has named Cherokee Technology Center teacher Claudia Hammons its S.C. Cosmetology Teacher of the Year.

ACTIVE sent out nomination forms to vocational schools seeking nominations for outstanding cosmetology teachers. Nominees had to send in letters of recommendations from executive directors, co-workers, and former students. Cosmetology teachers discussed their professional experience, community involvement, and teaching philosophy on nomination forms reviewed by a committee of ACTIVE officers.

Hammons was announced as the S.C. Cosmetology Teacher of the Year at a banquet during the organization’s fall recertification seminar held in September at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. She has taught cosmetology at the Cherokee Technology Center for 23 years.

Cherokee County Superintendent Dr. Bill James recognized Hammons for her accomplishment at last week’s school board meeting.

“It makes you feel really good when directors and colleagues are complimentary of you,” Hammons said. “The reward in teaching comes in watching students go out and become successful after leaving your program.”

Hammons was in the first graduating class

l See HAMMONS, Page 5A