At just 16 years old, Kloe Hickel is already making waves in multiple fields. A junior at Parkersburg South High School, she balances her time between high school, college classes at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, and the cosmetology program at the Wood County Technical Center.
A Passion for Cosmetology
Kloe is enrolled in a two-year cosmetology program that offers hands-on training in professional hair techniques, from basic styling to advanced chemical treatments.
“It’s a two-and-a-half-hour class where we learn everything from basic hair techniques to advanced chemical processes,” she explained.
Her interest in cosmetology started early.
“I’ve been dying my hair since eighth grade and always wanted to learn techniques like French braiding,” she said.
By the time she completes the program, Kloe will have 1,000 hours of professional training, qualifying her for immediate entry into the field. She plans to use her skills to work as a hairdresser while attending college, ultimately supporting her long-term goals.
“The program gives me a head start,” she said. “I’ll be able to work as a hair cutter right out of high school and then get my full cosmetology license later.”
A Theatrical Journey
In addition to her academic and vocational training, Kloe is deeply involved in the theater program at Parkersburg South High School.
She first joined the theater program in her freshman year after a friend encouraged her to audition for the spring musical. Her debut role as a villager in Beauty and the Beast marked the start of a growing passion. Since then, she has participated in multiple productions, including A Christmas Story, Brownstone 213, Little Shop of Horrors, Beetlejuice Jr., and Jungle Book.
Her most memorable role was in Beetlejuice Jr., where she played a cheerleader.
“We had a little speaking and singing part, and we did a cheer routine with some impressive stunts,” she said.
Beyond acting, Kloe is also a talented costume designer, having worked on productions since her sophomore year.
“I’ve been costuming since my sophomore year for the fall show,” she said.
Her involvement in the theater program extends to competitions, where she and her team have achieved notable success.
“We compete once or twice in our competition show,” she said, adding that last year, her team made it to the state level.
She has also won awards for her technical work, including costume design, acting, and stage management.
Thriving in Color Guard and Winter Guard
Kloe’s extracurricular activities don’t stop at theater—she’s also a dedicated member of her school’s color guard and the Winter Guard team in Ravenswood.
“Winter Guard is like color guard, but without the marching band, and it’s indoors,” she explained.
This is her first year in Winter Guard, but she has already fallen in love with the high-energy performances and close-knit team.
“It’s four straight minutes of performing with no breaks, which makes it more intense than traditional color guard,” she said.
Competitions are the highlight of her experience.
“Everyone is actually there to watch Winter Guard, so it’s different from other performances where the audience might be distracted,” she said.
Her team consists of just seven members from across West Virginia, creating a strong sense of camaraderie.
“We’re a lot closer in Winter Guard because there are only seven of us,” she said.
A Leader in Her Community
Kloe is also a standout youth leader, earning the Youth of the Year title at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg. In this role, she has helped organize events such as an after-school light festival and a Valentine’s Day experiment for kids.
Through this program, she earned a $1,500 scholarship and attended a legislative session in Charleston, where she met with state leaders.
“We got to talk to a bunch of senators and people in office down at the Capitol,” she said.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Outside of school, Kloe volunteers at the Humane Society of Parkersburg, where she enjoys walking dogs and playing with cats.
“We get to walk the dogs and give them treats, and sometimes I help with their afternoon enrichment,” she said.
While she is passionate about cosmetology and performing arts, her ultimate dream is to become a homicide detective.
“I want to be a homicide detective,” she said. “I have a lot of faith in myself, and I feel like I could solve most of what’s thrown at me.”
She plans to use her cosmetology skills to support herself through college, aiming to work in cities like Detroit, Chicago, or San Francisco, where she can take on challenging cases.
“I’m sure Parkersburg already has a homicide detective, so those spots are filled. I want to find something that I can’t solve,” she said, revealing her competitive nature and drive for success.
With her wide range of talents and determination, Kloe Hickel is well on her way to an exciting and impactful future.
