Quest and Amanda Shearin both appear in the Pageantry Prom Time Fashion Spread.

By Debra Hall

Barbizon's tagline may be "Be a model or...Just Look Like One," but at the recent International Model and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention in New York City, Barbizon models not only looked the part, they were the showcase of the runway as they competed for call-backs and contracts from some of the largest world-renowned modeling and talent agencies from around the globe. With high expectations, over 1,600 Barbizon attendees landed in the Big Apple to pursue their dreams, complete with wardrobe changes, portfolios, determination, and many with several loved ones in tow to root them on.

The week began with IMTA competitions in runway, print work, and acting categories. Barbizon graduate Stephanie Delareck from Barbizon Pro Models in Akron, Ohio, says it was a great learning experience. "I used to be like the shy little girl in the corner and now it's totally changed my outlook on life. I can talk to people now!" referring to her development through the Barbizon experience.

As a leading source of new talent for future stardom, some of today's brightest stars have begun their careers through Barbizon. A quick perusal of the archives reveals such names as Gina Lee Nolan of Baywatch and previous cover feature of Pageantry magazine. Modeling winner Brianna Hicks from Barbizon Tuscon was whisked off to Europe and has been featured in Teen magazine and on the Paris runways. Sean Faris of Barbizon Stone in Cleveland is now signed with the William Morris Agency in Los Angeles and has starred in the movies Maybe It's Me and Brotherhood II. Jodi Weeger from Barbizon Avanti in Raleigh stars on the WB series Birds of Prey.

Models strutt their stuff on the runway.

Not only are the rewards of a call-back or contract a sole reason for attending the IMTA Convention in the hopes of a movie, music, modeling, television, or theater career. A major prize within the acting category is a scholarship to the New York School for Film and Television. Former acting competitor Travis Wood from Barbizon Apollo in Denver attended the school and was immediately signed by the ABC soap opera All My Children. Showcasing the talent available, Barbizon of San Francisco graduate Lindsey Fonesca also starred as Colleen Connelly on the very same soap opera.

As the finale of the whirlwind week of IMTA approached its conclusion, the Barbizon group gathered for a special night of Barbizon awards. Trophies, prizes, and well deserved recognition were given to the top honorees within 20 different categories of competition, ranging from child acting to models of all sizes and styles. Speaking to all competitors during the awards ceremony, Tom Blangiardo, president of Barbizon International, congratulated each attendee for having the courage to pursue their dreams as they "set themselves apart from their friends and peers."

In a touching tribute, a Barbizon Special Achievement Award of recognition was presented to Jasmine Honeysucker from Barbizon of Tampa. A recipient of a heart transplant, Jasmine had always dreamed of attending the Barbizon and IMTA Convention. With her entire trip paid for by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jasmine stated "I've had a great time and I've met a lot of nice people. I really appreciate everything Barbizon has done for me."

Proving that success comes to those who continually strive to achieve their dreams, 16-year-old Barbizon of Philadelphia actress Kelly Dunn attended the convention for two consecutive years. In a tribute to her perseverance, she won both IMTA's and Barbizon's top awards in her division. Now she's off to L.A. with a management team that has her poised for future stardom. Same scenario for ten year old Sara Niemietz from Barbizon Royal in Michigan. Commitment to her dreams now has her starring in the hit Broadway show Hollywood Arms about the life of show business legend Carole Burnett.

Call-backs provide models the opportunity to have their portfolio reviewed by top modeling agents and scouts.

But actors aren't the only winners. Top Barbizon honors in modeling went to Amanda Shearin (female) of Barbizon Raleigh and Quest (male) from the Barbizon school of Tuscon. In addition to the featured photo shoot in New York the morning following the awards ceremony, the two talented recipients will be featured models within the PromTime fashion showcase right here in Pageantry magazine! It's too soon to predict where their success will ultimately lead them, but if the call-backs were any indication, these two gorgeous models will soon be household faces.

As with all modeling and talent competitions, the call-backs are the most anticipated event of the week. This is where the modeling and acting hopefuls have up-close interviews with the star-makers of the industry. Agents, casting directors, production companies, and others book models and actors to chat face-to-face in order to decide whom they may want to represent.

So where does it all lead? According to Debra Hall, vice president of Barbizon International, "The Barbizon experience can open your life to many wonderful new directions. The power to succeed is in your hands." By offering the opportunity and power to succeed, these dream seekers just might realize their wildest fantasies and head straight to the top.