Megan Lafnear’s completed first place fantasy make up entry

by Brandi Miller for the FCT

When people think of make-up, they generally think of making someone look pretty.  Women use make-up to enhance beauty and cover minor flaws.  Using make-up to make someone pretty is what most people do.  Megan Lafnear, a senior at Red Bay High School, decided to use make-up to create something maybe not beautiful but definitely magnificent.

“The topic was Snow White and I wanted to do something different,” said Lafnear.

And different she did.  Instead of doing the typical beauty associated with Snow White, Lafnear chose to do the more challenging traditional evil character.  She did such an outstanding job with her creation, the “ugly” make-up won first place.

“We are very proud of Megan,” said RBHS assistant principal Jeff Madden.  “She worked hard and her hard work paid off.  She is great student and I have nothing but praise and congratulations for her.”

Lafnear attends the Career and Technical center at Belgreen taking courses in cosmetology.  This is the first year for the cosmetology program at the center and it is off to a great start.  Lafnear placed first in a contest at Northwest-Shoals Community College on March 20th.  The contest featured students from across the region, which meant Lafnear had to compete with students from larger schools.  She beat them all however, placing first in fantasy makeup.  Lafnear received a scholarship to NWSCC as her first place prize.

“Megan is one of our brightest in our first year in Cosmetology,” said Scott Wiginton, director of Career and Technical education in Franklin County.  “She has found her niche in life.  She has been nominated twice for our student of the month and won on her first nomination.  Megan is a leader in the Cosmetology program.  As the director I can see those qualities in and out of the classroom. “

The cosmetology program has taught students how to do basic haircuts, manicures, pedicures, pin curls, and roller sets.  When students finish the cosmetology course, they will receive credit for two semesters in Cosmetology School.

“My instructor, Sissy Scott, has been my inspiration,” said Lafnear.  I wouldn’t be where I was without her.”

Wiginton echoes Lafnear’s sentiments.

“The teachers need to be given the credit for the long hours in preparing them for completion and classroom activities,” said Wiginton.

Lafnear said the competition was timed and it took her one hour to complete her creation.

Lafnear is off to a great start in a great career.  She will graduate in May with college credit waiting for her in the fall when she begins the next phase of her life.  Winning first place, her first year in cosmetology school, is a great way to cap off a successful, exciting senior year.