The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) is pleased to announce the achievements of its many talented members who represented the USA and the NCA at the 2008 OMC World Championships of Beauty March 1-3 in Chicago. These highly artistic hair professionals competed against more than 1,000 challengers from more than 50 countries in contests of technical skills, creativity and nerves.

The NCA congratulates the following competitors who placed in the top three in their categories and won medals:

• Dale Dees, Gold Medal, Senior Ladies Street Fashion
• Vicki Stronczek, Bronze Medal, Senior Ladies Street Fashion
• Michelle Welch, Silver Medal, Senior Ladies Black Trophy
• Deanna Maker, Gold Medal, Junior Ladies Hair Extension
• Alana Greene, Silver Medal, Junior Ladies Hair Extension

“Competing in the World Championships requires talent, skill, creativity and dedication,” says Marlene Bridge, NCA President. “NCA's Team USA represented our country with enthusiasm, passion and hard work.”

The NCA hosted the 2008 OMC World Championships of Beauty in conjunction with America's Beauty Show. This international event, which draws competitors from all across the world and features both individual and team contests in hair, nails and beauty, only happens every two years. The 2008 NCA USA Teams included:

Senior Ladies Technical : Robin Davis, Stephanie Loy, Joshua Saunders, Amanda Smoot Phillips

Senior Ladies Fashion : Dale Dees, Lesya Illkiv, Sammy Jones, Vicki Stronczek

Junior Ladies Technical : Heather Clayton, Alisha Kearns, Robin Haviland, Erica Lockhart

Junior Ladies Fashion : Jamie Klinberg, Erica Lockhart, Lindsey McCants, Kenna Moore

Junior Gents Fashion/Technical : Dan DiLeo, Elisa Graybill, Jeremy Nascimento, Jazzlyn Stanzione

Andrea Turisi and Ron Hawkins were the official NCA Team Trainers for the Gents and Ladies Teams respectively.

The NCA is the U.S. representative to Organisation Modial Coiffure (OMC), which sponsors the OMC World Championships of Beauty.