The first ballots have been cast and the results are in as more than 20 aspiring models are selected as semi-finalists in the “Mario, Make Me a Model” campaign. The next stop for the hopefuls is the runway where the models will appear in front of a host of celebrity judges, including beauty and style innovator Mario Tricoci, to earn one of five spots as a finalist.

Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, the official hairstyling and color partner of Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, will host the semi-finalist competition at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

The semi-finalists are:

                    Megan Katherine Batenic                       Burr Ridge  
                    Brittney Sharron Brown                         Chicago    
                    Courtney Tyler Cymerman                    Sleepy Hollow  
                    Rachel Dove Cusick                              Chicago   
                    Ursula Alice Dabrowska                       Vernon Hills 
                    Erin Kristen Hester                                Wheaton
                    Amy Lauren Hubbard                            Woodridge   
                    Elizabeth Karagitiera                             Roselle 
                    Fallon Francis Kartch                            DeKalb   
                    Kelly Anne Kohmen                              Chicago    
                    Andrew Emile Johnson                          Buffalo Grove
                    Katie Michelle Lindberg                        Orland Park
                    Noelle Christine Lynch                          Mundelein 
                    Lorette Julia Malek                                Northbrook     
                    June Francis Marsh                                Joliet  
                    Josalyn Molina                                      Westmont      
                    Jillian Marie Pfennig                             Wheaton 
                    Laura J. Raatjes                                     Chicago      
                    Stephanie Allison Ryan                         Lake Forest
                    Cassandra Skelton                                 Bartlett
                    Tiffany Lynn Valasquez                       Aurora
                    Ariana Zomudio                                    Long Grove      

“We know Chicago is filled with beautiful people, but we were amazed by the response we received from all corners of the area,” Tricoci said. “This search is about finding the undiscovered beauty that’s been hiding right in our backyard, and we certainly uncovered some stunners who deserve the chance to be seen on the runway and in fashion magazines.”

The semi-finalists are competing for the chance to have a modeling makeover before walking the runway in Millennium Park at Fashion Focus Chicago 2008. Finalists will receive a makeover from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, runway instruction by Ford Models and personal training with Equinox Fitness Clubs in preparation for the show. Also planned is a fashion spread in Chicago magazine with photographer Matt Ferguson before the final judging on the runway at Fashion Focus Chicago this October.

The winner of “Mario, Make me a Model” will receive a five-night trip for two to Mexico’s Riviera Maya through Apple Vacations, plus additional prizes from Mario Tricoci and Equinox Fitness Clubs. All the finalists will be considered for a modeling contract with Ford Models and a Mario Tricoci trend photo shoot.

The “Mario, Make Me a Model” competition invited women and men 18 and older to open calls at select Mario Tricoci hair salon and day spa locations July 29 and 30, including Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Visit www.mariomakemeamodel.com to follow the competition.

Fashion Focus Chicago 2008 is a weeklong celebration of Chicago's fashion industry from Oct. 1 to 8; visit www.chicagofashionresource.com.