Press Release:

East Lansing ~ Ann Arbor ~ Grand Rapids

For Immediate Release May 17, 2006

Contact: Tiffany Dowling 517.203.3333

Douglas J Aveda Institute
Sponsors Scholarship Contest to Identify Natural Talent

East Lansing—The Douglas J Aveda Institute will hold its fourth annual Aveda Institute Natural Talent Scholarship Contest on Sunday, May 21, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, University Ballroom, in downtown East Lansing. The purpose of the contest is to identify and reward talented new students in cosmetology.

Contest finalists will compete for three scholarship prizes. The first place winner will receive a full Cosmetology Scholarship for more than $10,000; the second place winner will receive a $5,900 Cosmetology Scholarship; and the third place winner will receive a $2,500 Cosmetology Scholarship. The scholarships can be used to cover tuition costs at the Douglas J Aveda Institutes located in East Lansing, Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids.

Contest finalists will have the opportunity to demonstrate their natural talent by styling hair, applying makeup and selecting a wardrobe for the model of their choice. The models will then proceed down a runway emulating a true fashion show atmosphere.

“This is always an exciting event for us and the contestants,” said Scott Weaver, co-owner and president of the Douglas J Aveda Institute. “It’s great to discover new talent and to help these young women and men receive the training that will enable them to fulfill their career dreams.”

The Douglas J Corporation is interested in enriching the growing salon industry with talented, aspiring cosmetologists and esthiologists. The Douglas J Aveda Institute Natural Talent Scholarship Contest enables the organization to give aspiring, talented students opportunities to have their education costs covered.

Contestants are individuals in the mid-Michigan area who are interested in making a career change. Those with prior professional training are ineligible to compete in this scholarship contest. Family members of Aveda Institute employees also are ineligible.