I’ll bet you didn’t know the girl who sits next to you models in her free time. What started as an aspiration, for some at a very young age, transformed into a high school career for more than a few genetically gifted Stallions.

“My mom was a model when she was younger and she has known people in the industry. I’ve just wanted to take it up since I was little,” says Karlen Reinecke (10). Reinecke’s career is taking off, with her being the subject of many up and coming photographers’ portfolios. Putting her experience into local practice, Reinecke will be participating in the ROP Fashion Show taking place next semester which will feature the designs and creations of students here at SJHHS.

“I really like meeting new people and the creativity that photographers have,” says Reinecke about behind the scenes aspects of the job. “Different photographers have different visions, and you can see that through what they put you in and how they pose you.”

Even further behind the scenes, Reinecke admits that to succeed in the business, “you have to be really strong. Insecurities will always come, but if you’re strong as a person and you know who you are, then anything is possible.”

Bree Kish (12) also benefited from encouragement to get involved at a young age. “Growing up, I was scouted by a few agents and was always told to get into modeling by family members and friends, due to my height. I decided to give it a try…” Kish initially signed on with Otto Models in Newport before moving on to her current agency, Willow Model Management. Throughout her career she has been published in 42 Magazine and has been featured on clothing sites, such as Mod Deals and Brandy Melville.

“Working in this business has taught me to grow thick skin because rejection is inevitable,” says Kish. “It has also taught me to be independent, patient, and extremely social with people twice my age.” As for a word of advice coping with the challenges, “avoid scams, be confident, and treat your agent like your mom.”

With such strong fashion and entertainment roots here in Southern California, finding a good range of agencies to sign with should not be a discouraging aspect. Paige Donaldson (12) got her start signing on with Kish’s initial agency as well. “I had been wanting to model for a long time, so I submitted my photos and information to several different modeling agencies, went in for interviews, and ended up signing with Otto Models,” says Donaldson.

Even still, all of their careers in modeling have just started. “The experience is worth a lot,” says Reinecke. Both Kish and Reinecke have expressed their intent to keep the ball rolling past high school. “I plan to model as long as people want me to model,” says Reinecke.

Kish says, “Modeling doesn’t last forever, but it definitely opens doors to many other opportunities.”