ERMELO – Local model, Claudia de Bruyn (15), is a star on the rise.

She recently made her way to the finals of the International Fine Arts Association of South Africa.

The association focusses on dance and modelling in South Africa.

Trials and semi-finals for the South African Championship for the Mpumalanga region recntly took place at the Ermelo Country Club.

Competitors had to score at least 80% to qualify for the semi-finals and more than 85% to qualify for the finals.

There were a total of 168 entrants who battled it out in the semi-finals.

Claudia represented Ermelo in the modelling category with a score of 89% in the semi-finals.

She began her modelling journey three years ago at Blush Model, a local modeling school.

“Modelling brings out the best in me and significantly boosts my self confidence while I’m having fun at the same time.

“To compete in this competition is most definitely my greatest highlight to date,” she said.

Dance schools from Nelspruit, Evander and Middelburg also participated in the event.

Read about the finals in the Highvelder newspaper.