Last Tuesday and Wednesday, girls who wanted to be "U.Va's Next Top Model" strutted their stuff in front of a panel of judges.
Fourth-year College student Sharisse Barksdale is heading the event. Barksdale said the idea originated in a discussion of a committee in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and they got the idea from the UPN show, "America's Next Top Model."
"We tried to make the competition as much like the show as possible," Barksdale said.
Ten finalists will be selected from the first set of auditions. On April 26 at 8 p.m. in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom, these finalists will make an appearance at the Fashion Design Club fashion show. During the show, the girls will be presented with various challenges, and eliminations will be made after each round.
Barksdale said the finalists will be eliminated by threes until the winner is revealed.
The judges included Barksdale herself, as well as members of the Fashion Design Club, which also is supplying outfits.
Of the group of over 20 girls who tried out, the judges said they were looking for "an all-around package." Positive characteristics include presence, creativity, personality and ability to walk in model style.
What may be surprising for many students is the absence of a judging category for appearance. The judges said they were looking for how the contestants represented the University.
Barksdale said personality is one of the most important features the judges consider.
Third-year College student Ebony McCracken auditioned Wednesday night.
"I thought it would be cool to try out," McCracken said casually. "I thought it sounded like fun."
While McCracken said it was an enjoyable experience, she also said the audition could be nerve-racking.
"It was intimidating at first because you're put on the spot in front of your peers," McCracken said. "But after a while I felt comfortable. Also, it felt quick. It was no more than five minutes."
McCracken said that to try out, girls had to pay $3, bring a photo of themselves, take a couple pictures and have a short interview. The girls also were asked to "walk a stretch."
The final winner will receive a cash prize, a photo shoot with a professional photographer, a display case in Newcomb and more benefits to be announced.
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