Mikayla was recently named as one of seven NSW finalists in the Girlfriend Magazine Rimmel Model Search, a competition that has been running for 19 years and that launched the international careers of models Catherine McNeil, Alyssa Sutherland and MTV personality Ruby Rose.

Mikayla said: ``I had to pinch myself when my name was called to see if I was dreaming.''

In year 8 at Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, she's no stranger to the spotlight. She started dancing lessons when she was three and has been going to modelling classes for 14 months, learning about presentation and self-confidence.

``Ever since I was little, I've wanted to be in the entertainment industry,'' she said.

``I saw this competition and thought I might as well give it a go. If I win, I would be most excited about meeting a whole bunch of new people and appearing in magazines and at fashion shows.''

Mikalya said she would like a career in TV presentation or in acting or as a drama teacher if she wasn't successful.

Her mother Janine said the competition was a ``valuable life experience'' for Mikalya, who's her second daughter.

``Every week after her modelling lessons she would come home on a high, talking about what she's learnt, and be enthusiastic,'' Mrs Spurtacz said.

``She's 175 centimetres tall and her facial features are unique.

``She has the confidence and a good attitude.''

Six national finalists will be announced this week. The overall winner will receive a two-year contract with Chic Model Management, a five-page fashion feature in the magazine, a meeting with an agency in New York and exposure in a Rimmel London ad.