FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AACS and L’Oréal Announce Top 12 Finalists in the 2025 Student Stylist of the Year Contest
Washington, D.C. [July 1, 2025] — The American Association of Career Schools (AACS), in partnership with L’Oréal Professional Products Division, is proud to announce the 12 finalists in the highly anticipated 2025 Student Stylist of the Year Contest.
This nationwide competition celebrates the talent, creativity, and potential of future beauty professionals. Submissions poured in from more than 120 student stylists across the country, and the top 12 finalists were selected for their outstanding artistry, creativity, and technical execution.
“These students represent the best of what’s next in the beauty industry,” said AACS Executive Director. “Their work is inspiring, and we’re excited to showcase their achievements.”
Natalie Elliott, AVP of Business Development for L’Oreal PPD added:
“At L’Oréal Professional Products, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of beauty professionals. The creativity and vision shown by these finalists is truly extraordinary. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to honoring the winners at the AACS CEA Conference.”
Finalists by Category:
BEST OVERALL
- Christi Keaveny — Summit Salon Academy – Tacoma
- Emily Futrell — The Salon Professional Academy – Evansville
- Tanasia Roper — Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – Goose Creek
CUT
- Akia Dale — L’esprit Academy – Royal Oak
- Julissa Mercado — International Institute of Cosmetology
- Lauren McBride — The Salon Professional Academy – Evansville
COLOR
- Anniston Martin — Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology
- Kasandra Olivera-Carlotta — Empire Beauty School – C Tucson
- Tatiana Hernandez — The Salon Professional Academy – Maplewood
FINISHING
- Adrian Unruh — Eric Fisher Academy
- Hydia Thomas — Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – Florence
- Porcha Parker — Tricoci University of Beauty Culture – Rockford
The winners of each category will be revealed live during the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, August 2–4 in Orlando, Florida.
For more information about the contest visit aacs.events/SSOTY.
For more information or to attend the CEA Conference, visit aacs.events/CEA2025.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
AACS Director of Communications, Jessica Bello
Email: jessica@myaacs.org
About AACS
AACS is the nation’s only membership organization representing the beauty, barber, and wellness education sector. AACS represents over 670 beauty, barber, and wellness education schools in the United States and Canada, and over 80 national and international companies serving the sector. AACS is the leader in advocacy, education, and networking in the beauty, barber, and wellness sector, hosting two national conferences annually and offering online education and networking for its members.
About L’Oreal Professional Products Division
The Professional Products Division found its roots within L’Oréal 115 years ago. Since then, our mission has always been to bring professional beauty to all, by leveraging the expertise and creativity of hairstylists.
This spirit of innovation and deep-rooted collaboration with hairstylists has always defined our DNA. We all have a clear mission: to bring professional beauty to all. This mission drives everything we do, ensuring that our products and services empower hairstylists to create exceptional and tailor-made beauty experiences.
