Faith King, a senior at Summerland Public School, landed in the top seven in the nation last week.

King, along with Julie Olivan, represented Nebraska and Summerland at the National Leadership and Skills Conference, in Atlanta, Georgia.

King competed in Job Demonstration A, where a contestant explains an entry-level technical skill used in an occupational area. She performed the Heimlich maneuver.

Courtesy Photo

Preparation • Summerland student Julie Olivan sets up a station prior to the start of the cosmetology competition, last week, during the National SkillsUSA convention in Atlanta.

"I know how important it is to be able to perform an emergency procedure, if something would happen," King said. "Not many people know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver."

After her June 22 demonstration, King learned she qualified as one of seven finalists in the event.

"I was thrilled I got to represent my state among some of the best in the nation," King said.

She competed in the final round, June 23 but did not place in the top three spots.

Olivan competed in cosmetology, where she demonstrated skills in haircolor, haircuts, hair styling and long hair design.

Per SkillsUSA guidelines, all work is performed on a mannequin "so everyone begins with the same model and the same type of hair."

Olivan did not place in the competition.

After Friday's awards ceremony, King, Olivan and co-sponsor, Amy Selting, returned to Nebraska.