Hansel Montalvo, an El Dorado High School graduate, has made notable strides in his pursuit of barbering excellence through the Socorro Independent School District's (SISD) Legacy Barbershop program. In a recent showcase of skill, Montalvo clinched a gold medal at the SkillsUSA Texas Championships in April, followed by a bronze medal at the national level in June, marking a significant achievement as the first student from the program to do so. "I was pretty confident that I was going to get it," said Montalvo, as obtained by SISD News, reflecting on his victory in the Texas competition.
The Legacy Barbershop program offers a two-year state licensure opportunity for students across the district, aiming to fully prepare them for a career in barbering. Montalvo seized this opportunity and managed to not only improve his craft but also to competitively distinguish himself. According to SISD News, mentor Nancy Mestas said, "I'm very proud of (Hansel); I feel like nobody deserves this more than him." At the state competition, Montalvo was tasked to confidently execute haircutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, and beard design and coloring based on a “Fire and Ice” theme. His creative approach impressed both spectators and judges alike.
SISD boasts the unique distinction of being the first and only school district in West Texas to incorporate a barber school. This facet of their Career and Technical Education program offers a hands-on approach, allowing students like Montalvo to not just practice their trade but also to showcase their talents in events such as SkillsUSA competitions. These platforms afford students the invaluable opportunity to network and gain both confidence and practical experience that will prove essential in their future careers.
Mesmerized onlookers at the event took to photographing and recording Montalvo as he worked, which, as Mestas told SISD News, led another teacher to remark, "He's got it! His is the best one!" and Mestas concurred with pride. Learning a variety of skills beginning at age 15, Montalvo's journey from home grooming to award-winning barber was facilitated by the SISD barbering program, helping him to further refine his techniques. Not only did he learn to skillfully execute style and precision in his cuts, but the program also indoctrinated important facets of the craft like sanitation, safety, customer service, and marketing.
