KAYSVILLE — Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) recognized Bryce Tolman and Alex Haro for their “exemplary efforts at school, work and life,” this month. According to material provided, the two were named students of the month for their studies in outdoor power equipment repair and barbering, respectively.

Bryce Tolman started working on the family farm as a child. His interest in maintaining and repairing equipment led him to enroll in the Diesel/Heavy Duty Equipment program at DATC, followed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Repair program.

“Bryce came to my program after finishing the Heavy Duty Diesel program, where he was a standout student,” said Robert Archibald, an instructor. “He has gone through the fundamental course at about 300 percent progress. Now he is doing advanced training and assisting the training of others. His skill set is becoming very complete. He is able to troubleshoot and reassemble projects and is versed on fuel systems as well as engines and transmissions. Bryce does well in any mechanical application.”

Tolman said his studies at DATC have helped him immensely on the farm. “Before I used to be a tool boy, but now my opinion matters,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot more here than on my own because the instructors tell me their experiences and help me troubleshoot from what they know. The education I’ve received is wonderful.” Bryce hopes to take over the farm and open his own mechanical shop someday.

Alex Haro began cutting hair at age 12, when he gave hair cuts to his brother and to kids in the neighborhood, besides cutting his own hair.

“Since I had the clippers anyway, it seemed like it was part of life, so I thought I might as well give it a try,” he said of his eventual decision to enroll in DATC’s Barbering program.

Ever since he started taking the classes last year, Haro has been cutting hair non-stop and developing his own style.

“My style is younger, more for teens, but I can do traditional too. I just like to make it more unique,” he said.

The word has spread about his style and he has no shortage of clientele, yet he continually works to be even better.

“The only way I’m going to get better is if I’m competing with the best,” he said.

To test his skills against professionals from around the country, Haro entered the Las Vegas International Beauty Show Super Barber Cutting Competition, which was held Sunday, June 19, 2011. He took first place, an award that puts him at the top of the barbering profession in the nation.

Haro will be graduating in the next month and plans to open his own shop with a friend.

lshaw@davisclipper.com