The competition was fierce amongst entrants in the first year of this annual win-the-cover contest, for MODERN's sister publication, FIRSTCHAIR. Entrants were judged on innovative curriculum, graduation and state board passing rates, community and industry involvement, and the schools' overall efforts to prepare students for successful careers in the beauty industry.

The winner was Poway Academy of Hair Design, in Poway, California. A model for other cosmetology schools around the country, extracurricular opportunities at the school include the chance to be a member of the Master Artistic Team, under the direction of Artistic Director Diego Raviglione. The current team members created the styles that are featured on the cover and inside the pages of the spring issue of FIRSTCHAIR.

First Chair's Winning SchoolTo see more pictures from the FIRSTCHAIR cover shoot and to hear from the students that created the styles, visit www.firstchair.com.

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