MOUNT VERNON – Knox County Career Center’s (KCCC) Cara Garcia earned her Ohio State Board of Cosmetology license.

Garcia is a senior in the cosmetology program at KCCC and is currently co-oping at Finishing Touch. The 17-year-old Garcia recently passed her state board exam to earn the license.

“No one in the cosmetology program at KCCC has been able to take their exam this soon because they haven’t had their required hours in this quick. What Cara has accomplished is rare,” said Amy Mezie, KCCC cosmetology instructor.

The Cosmetology License State Board requirements are extensive. Individuals must have 1,500 hours combined of lab and classwork. The examination has portions of hair skin and nails along with a written examination. Individuals must receive a 75% or higher on both tests to complete the certification.

“I worked at Finishing Touch for several years prior to coming into the Cosmetology program at KCCC," Garcia said. "The owner there inspired me to do what she does.

“I want to work for a while and then move to South Carolina and open up my own salon. I am very driven. I love the art of cosmetology. It’s up to me – I love that people trust me to do a great job with the services I provide for them.”

“Cara is an exceptional student who is goal-driven," Mezie said. "She worked so hard to complete the required hours and to pass her state board examination.

“Cara even did a summer internship program where she received 141 hours toward her licensure. Way to go, Cara.”