One foot in front of the other. Lights flashing onto the platform. The spotlight is focused on senior, Katelyn Winkler. Step by step. Pose. The photographers snap multiple photos as she gracefully walks across the platform, modeling the latest attire and the most fashionable heels.

“I love it because it’s my simple way of expressing myself,” she said.

Winkler’s passion for modeling is second to none.

“I love experimenting with different styles, different poses and different expressions because the end product of each combination is so unique and diverse,” Winkler said.

Winkler has been passionate about modeling since she was about 14 years old.

“I saw the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show for the first time, and that automatically inspired me to pursue modeling as a career,” she said.

Other than modeling, Winkler has been involved in various other activities, including participating in  the Junior Olympics for swimming for three straight years, as well as practicing Tae Kwon Do and

Over the years Winkler has found herself having to sacrifice these activities for modeling. She said the main sacrifice she had to make is with her social life, as she hardly has free time to spend with her friends. However, Winkler said, “I truly wish that I did have more time to spend with my friends, but if I did that I would have to give up one of my priorities, which, at this point, I’m just not ready to do.”

Besides sports and modeling, Winkler mentioned she is also interested in getting a degree in electrical engineering, simply because the subject requires extensive use of math and science.

“Having a double ‘E’ degree helps open doors into a variety of career fields, so if I do become a successful model, somewhere down the road I would probably branch out in to the business world to broaden my career,” Winkler said.

With all these activities pertaining to her various interests, Winkler had to make a tough decision: she chose to graduate early. Winkler made this decision because she wanted to finish school sooner rather than later, and the type of modeling she is interested in involves a lot of travel with minimal room for additional commitments, such as school.

“My friends were pretty sad about me leaving high school a year early, but they respected my decision and wished me well,” Winkler said.

Winkler said her support system extends beyond her friends, as her mom agrees, despite the sacrifices, she supports Winkler and believes if modeling is what she truly wants to do, then they are definitely worth it, especially if it pays off in the end.

Winkler’s boundless desire to succeed as a model is evident through her high school sacrifices. Without a modeling coach, Winkler continues toward a bright, self-motivated future, putting one foot in front of the other.