For the last two years Ashlyn Thompson, 18, of New Iberia has wanted to be an actress and model.

Thompson, a former Westgate High School honor student and 2006 school homecoming queen, will get her first opportunity to become a model when she competes in the annual International Model Talent Association modeling convention the second week of January in Los Angeles.

“I have been modeling for about two years and this competition that I am going to next month is equivalent to an all star game only that it is for models,” Thompson said. “Models such as Katie Holmes, Ashton Kutcher, and Eva Longoria have competed in this competition in Los Angeles. All of these models have been to IMCA and made it to the big screen”.

BILL SMITH / The Daily Iberian Ashlyn Thompson updates her portfolio with new pictures as she prepares for a trip to L.A. at her home in New Iberia. Advertisement

Last summer Thompson, a freshman at Nicholls State University, competed in a modeling competition in Alabama and received an honorable mention status by judges, which gave her a chance to compete in next month’s competition.  

“I will be competing in a number competitions once I arrive in L.A.,” Thompson said.

“There are going to be a number of agencies there looking for the next top model. I have been getting some good feed back and they told me I have been doing pretty good.”

In preparation for next month competition, Thompson had rigorous training to complete before she traveled to California.

“Every weekend for the last six months my mom and I traveled to New Orleans to prepare,” Thompson said. “During those training sessions we had a number of speakers prep us for this competition. They told us how to speak to the judges, how to act. We had a photo shoot, and we also learned how to walk like a real model. The training in New Orleans was a real success and I believe I am ready for the competition next month.”

Thompson said besides acting and modeling, she has a number of goals in life to accomplish.

“First I want to complete college at Nicholls State University, where I am currently attending and am majoring in English,” she said. “I did real good my first semester and I made all A’s and B’s. After I graduate I want to go to law school and become a lawyer. This last semester I was voted by my peers as the freshman class senator. I love to help people and that is a main reason I want to become a lawyer.”

Thompson said she mentors students in the community whenever she is home in New Iberia.

“Right now I am mentoring India Richard, a junior at Westgate High School, and she looks up to me,” Thompson said.

“She looks up to me and I want to be a positive role model for the young people of New Iberia.”

Thompson’s mother, Shelbra, said she is proud of her daughter and always tells her to keep up the good work.

“Ashyln has always been a good child and excelled in whatever she has done,” Shelbra said. “If it was just playing basketball at Westgate, or making good grades in school, or competing in the modeling competition, Ashyln has always excelled.”

“When she was younger I always told Ashyln if she wanted it to go after it,” Shelbra said.

“Ashlyn is a go-getter and whatever she does in life she will succeed. She has always me proud.”

To assist Thompson on her trip next month to Los Angeles, she is being sponsored by Alcia Butler, City Pharmacy, Dr. Kim Smith,and Jeff Thembers.

If anyone would like to sponsor Thompson, call her mother at 380-6075.