Eighteen of the area’s top young models strutted down the platform in the center court of Sawmill Square Mall Saturday to model some of the hottest looks for youth of all ages.

These models were members of the Jones County 4-H Modeling Squad and consisted of males and females between the ages of 5-18. Fashion shows are held in the spring and the fall, giving the youngsters an opportunity to put some of the skills and techniques they have been taught into action. The squad also competes at the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson.

“We meet throughout the year on a monthly basis,” said 4-H Agent Kim Tolbert. “We learn not only modeling skills, but we complete activities that build self esteem, character and confidence.”

Dianna Mosely, volunteer squad leader, said during the meetings she addresses health and beauty issues, social skills, job interviewing skills, pageantry techniques and other topics that not only help them with physical appearance, but with life skills, as well.

“We teach them how to dress appropriately, self-confidence and how to be at ease in social gatherings,” she said. “This teaches them a lot of good skills they can use wherever they go.”

Tolbert added that 4-H has a curriculum that covers project areas in clothing selection and clothing construction. Youth have to be 4-H members to participate in the modeling squad.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said 13-year-old Kaylee Jones of Soso. “4-H has something for everybody — cows, horses, pigs, hunting, cooking — everything. You name it, we’ve got it!

“The modeling is what I like,” said Jones, who was deemed Miss Personality. “I just love picking out clothes and being all sassy. Being able to walk down the runway in new outfits is a wonderful feeling.”

Stephanie Murrell, 13, of Moselle, squad president, said being a member of the modeling squad is a good experience. “ I like going to the meetings and being with all my friends,” she said. “You have a lot of fun modeling and it’s a good way to express yourself.”

Murrell, her sister, Shannon, 11, as well as Kayla Mosely, 13, and Samantha Holifield, 12, of Laurel, all said they enjoy being on the squad because of the opportunity to try on new and wonderful clothes. Skylar Bunch, 10, of Heidelberg, and Samantha Hodges, 13, said they are members because of longtime dreams of becoming models.

“I just love modeling,” Bunch said. “It’s just fantastic being here and walking on the runway. I want to be a super model one day.”

Hodges, on the other hand, has a double passion. “I want to be a model and an actress,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do when I grow up. Modeling with 4-H helps me a lot.”

Jonathan Waters, 18, of Heidelberg, said other young people should consider modeling. A freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi, he said he joined the squad because he wanted something to do and he wanted to help out. He has a younger sister and brother on the squad.

“Young kids need something to do, something to keep them out of trouble,” he said. “4-H is a good program. I would recommend it to anybody.”

4-H is an organization that caters to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Youth ages 5 to 7 are considered Cloverbuds (4-Hers in training). Once children reach age eight, they become a 4-H member and remain a member up to age 18.

Tolbert added that 4-H is also built around adult volunteers who assist in various 4-H projects. She said that people tend to think 4-H is just centered around agriculture, but it offers so much more.

“Yes, we still have livestock and horse programs,” Tolbert said, “but 4-H also has programs in child development, modeling, technology and computers, shooting sports and variety of other programs.

“ There are 4-H programs in every county of Mississippi and every county varies in their respective program areas,” she added. “Jones County is fortunate to have livestock, horse, shooting sports, community clubs, junior chef club, modeling and various other informational programs.”

For more information about the Jones County 4-H Modeling Squad or various 4-H programs, contact Kim Tolbert, 4-H Youth Agent at 601-428-5201 or ktolbert@ext.msstate.edu.