Mayor endorses model project

ALBANY, Ga. — Mayor Dorothy Hubbard on Wednesday signed a letter in support of Yaz Johnson’s Southwest Georgia Top Models (SWGA) project, which is set to get under way early next month with open auditions at the Albany Civic Center.

“I am supporting this event because I want to encourage people to show up,” Hubbard said. “I know we have many aspiring models in our community. We need more positive events here and this is a wonderful opportunity for everybody.”

Auditions are set for 9 a.m.-7 p.m Oct. 6 and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 7.

The auditions are open to men, women and children ages four to 40. There are six age group categories, which will feature a male and female winner from each category.

Contestants who make it through the audition advance to the elimination round, which will be in the form of a fashion show. At the end of each fashion show, some contestants will be eliminated.

Johnson said the dates of the elimination rounds will be set at the end of auditions.

“A lot of people want to focus on something that will have an impact on their lives,” said Johnson. “People are hungry just to have something to do. This also allows the entire family to participate in a wholesome environment.

“But this event isn’t just about Albany. It’s for the entire Southwest Georgia region.”

Johnson said the SWGA Top Models auditions were created to to help build self-esteem and to encourage people to follow their dreams.