i WATERVILLE Colby student is finalist in modeling contest
Morning Sentinel
WATERVILLE Colby student is finalist in modeling contest
BY SADA REED
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 03/17/2009

WATERVILLE -- When Colby College student Danielle Sheppard saw postcards and posters on campus advertising the ELLE girl model search, she didn't contemplate what she would do if she entered and was actually chosen.

But that's something she's going to have to think about now.

Sheppard, 19, of Kittery, is a finalist in the model search, a nation-wide call for people interested in pursuing a career in the modeling industry. The winner will receive, among other prizes, a trip to New York with free apartment accommodations, a photo spread on ElleGirl.com with an actor from CBS' "Guiding Light," and a two-year modeling contract with Ikon New York Model Management.

"A few friends kept slipping them in pockets as jokes, telling me to do it," Sheppard said of the postcards. "It was really on a whim. I always thought about modeling, but I didn't think it was realistic. I didn't think anything would come of it."

Sheppard sent her information, a portrait and a full-length picture that she took with her own camera. Two days later, she was contacted and asked for more photos.

The contest was geared to allow anyone, not just people with experience or professional photos, to enter.

That was the point of the contest, said Mindy DiCrosta, CEO of Cynamin and Olive Productions.

"Ikon New York Model Management is an agency that is built from the ground up," DiCrosta said. "One of the judges, who is also the owner of Ikon management, was a model for 15 years herself and put that agency together so she could give girls the right information and the right start.

"It is instrumental in showing young women and men how to live and work successfully in New York and to have good morals and good work ethic."

The judges weren't just looking for just a pretty face, DiCrosta said, but "the full package" -- a look that reflected a well-rounded young woman with a lot of personality.

Sheppard's resumŽ fit the bill. Sheppard is a double-major in anthropology and science, as well as technology and society. She is a member of the Environmental Coalition, and specializes in high jumping for the women's varsity indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

No matter who wins, all of the young women are getting exposure to the industry and potential clients, DiCrosta said.

"It's kind of surreal," Sheppard said. "Being at a small college in Maine, and then my face is plastered on a nationwide model search (Web site). I didn't really believe much would come of it. It's a very cool experience. I still have several more weeks left of school, but I would love to get a foot into the door of the modeling industry."

Sheppard and the other finalists are posted on www.model ing.com along with their ID numbers, which are used for voting. To vote for Sheppard, send the message EG 06 to 73997. Voters may text vote more than once and text-messaging fees apply. Text voting ends March 19 at noon. The winner will be announced the following day.

For more information about the contest , go to www.modelingtherightway.com.

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