Nicolet College student wins bronze at SkillsUSA competition

Rachael Reilly, a resident of Tomahawk, recently beat out her competitors to win bronze at the SkillsUSA Wisconsin cosmetology competition in Madison. 

Reilly is a student in the Nicolet College cosmetology program. “Rachael’s strengths are her professionalism and creativity,” said Rebecca Kegler, cosmetology instructor. “She’s going to have a great career."

Competitors are judged by their portfolio, professionalism, industry knowledge, and ability to apply skills creatively across multiple challenges. Judges evaluated Reilly through a written and verbal test, a creative updo, and two specific haircuts. Reilly had the third highest points overall. 

Reilly felt well-prepared to compete, thanks to extensive preparation and practice. “I was very confident. I knew I did pretty good. Practicing the updo so many times really helped. The written test, we’ve been over all those questions in class,” said Reilly. “I feel like having a cool, level head and confidence was the most important part.”

Reilly also competed as a high school student in 2024 and won the bronze medal. She enrolled in Nicolet College last fall, and expects to graduate in the summer.

“After school, I want to get into esthetician work, like skin care, facials, all that,” said Reilly. “I might continue my education to be a medical esthetician, but for now I’ll just go with the flow.”

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. High school students and technical college students compete in various events to prove their skills.

Nicolet College cosmetology students have a strong track record of bringing home medals from SkillsUSA competitions, a testament to the hard work of students and the quality of the program. In 2024, Axle Jacobs won gold in barbering at both state and national, and Ruby Mishler won silver in cosmetology at state. In 2023, Josh Newman won gold in barbering at state and placed seventh at national.