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

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

Trials and semi-finals for the South African championship took place at the Ermelo Country Club recently.

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

A total of 168 entries battled it out.

Claudia represented Ermelo proudly 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 modelling school.

“Modelling brings out the best in me and significantly boosts my self-confidence while I am having fun.

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

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

The finals will be held at the Aarto Theatre in Pretoria from September 30 to October 2.

All provinces will battle it out and need to achieve a score of 90% or more to qualify for the South African team to participate internationally.