FOUR CARROLL County girls are poised for a talent and modeling competition in New York next month that they see as a chance of a lifetime.
Erin Boston, Caitlyn Juranek, Amber Fonte and Julianna Gillis have beaten remarkable odds. They have been picked from more than 2,000 modeling and acting contestants to participate in the International Modeling and Talent Association's annual competition in New York.
IMTA is the largest association of modeling and talent schools and training centers. It holds two conventions each year, one in Los Angeles and one in New York.
"Over 300 top fashion and talent agents and casting directors participate as judges and scouts in the action-packed, weeklong international event," IMTA's Web site says.
"My Barbizon teacher said there would be agents everywhere - in the elevators, on the train, everywhere we go - but I'm not nervous," said Julianna, 10, a fifth-grader at Sandymount Elementary School. "When I compete, I feel like I'm not doing it around tons of people. I'm just having fun."
To qualify and prepare for the New York competition, Erin, Caitlyn, Amber and Julianna have read scripts, memorized monologues, and eagerly had their looks made over by imaging specialists. They are taking nutrition, poise, skin care and talent agency etiquette classes, and they have been photographed at scenic spots in Georgetown for their portfolios.
Some girls, such as Julianna, dream of acting: "I'd love to be in a Disney movie," she said.
Other girls, such as Erin, dream of modeling in Milan and Paris. All of them say the preparations and competitions improve their self-confidence and allow them to meet new friends.
"After working with all these new people, I'm a lot more self-confident," said Amber, 14, a student at Westminster High School. "I've learned that [modeling] is not all about being pretty and having a great face. It's about hard work. With that hard work, anything is possible."
The girls and their parents concede that pursuing the modeling dream involves a great deal of time and money.
"This whole New York package will cost us about $5,000," said Caitlyn's mother, Pat. "But I've added up the costs of photo shoots, portfolios, competitions, and to get all of that plus classes and the weeklong trip to New York, this is a great deal."
Pat Juranek and the other parents don't calculate the return on their investment in dollars alone.
"Instead of reaching for a soda, Erin drinks water all the time. She runs track in the morning and watches what she eats," said her mother, Amy Boston. "This whole experience has taught her a lot of positive things. She has learned about poise and making eye contact when she talks to someone. She knows that how she carries herself, how she speaks to others, and that spark in her personality make her beautiful."
The girls and some of their mothers leave for New York on July 21 and are scheduled to return July 28. They will have the opportunity to compete in fashion or talent competitions, or both. Many also are part of Barbizon Modeling School dance, singing or fashion teams.
"I'm more excited than I am nervous," said 16-year-old Erin, who attends Westminster High. "I like meeting all the girls and learning about their backgrounds."
"This is a once in a lifetime thing; most people dream about this," said Caitlyn, 14, a student at Winters Mill High School. "I keep thinking about how Dawson Creek stars and Elijah Wood of Lord of the Rings went through IMTA.
"With or without a job after it's all over, I'm really enjoying it," Caitlyn added. "I know that we are not in a life-or-death situation."
"Well, it would be nice to get something to help pay for her college education," her mother joked.
Fall Fest Auction
The sixth annual Friends of the Village Fall Fest Auction is more than a month away, but donated items are rolling in by the roomful. A 1982 Oldsmobile, recliners, a tackle box, a chandelier, toys, televisions and a time-share in Florida will be up for auction Sept. 7, beginning at 9 a.m. at Carroll Lutheran Village.
"There are so many items and there is such great variety. There will be something for everyone," said Sandy Ferguson, co-chairwoman of the event with Marion Suski. "Over the years, we have found that this auction is a fun way to earn money, and it also lets the community see what the village has to offer."
Carroll Lutheran Village is a continuing-care retirement community in Westminster with about 500 residents.
Last year, the auction raised about $20,000, and as in other years, the money was used for residents' care - to offset costs for residents who run out of money, or for additional services and resources.
Individuals and businesses donate all items auctioned and the Friends of the Village volunteer their time and effort to make the event a success.
Maryland auctioneer Janice Hull also will donate her time and services Sept. 7. Information or to donate items: 410-848-0090.
Living Treasure
Westminster youths Ian and Austin Butt honor Terri Keel as their Living Treasure this week.
"She had a full piano class but she put aside extra time for my brother and I to take piano," said Ian. "She's fun because she makes everything easy, and at the end of every practice we can get to pick three pieces of candy from her candy jar."
Brighten the day of someone who has made a positive difference in your life. Submit a name and specific reasons why that person has been your living treasure to: Lisa Breslin, 35 Ridge Road, Westminster 21157. Or call 410-848-4703.
Lisa Breslin's Central Carroll neighborhood column appears each Monday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.