Model Search Winners 2001

Here are five of the top 10 from left to right: Debra Roberts, Cornelia Hayes O’Herlihy, Nancy Robey, Donna Yost, and Lynn Krominga.

Photographs by Naomi Kaltman/Art Mix

Rounding out the group are, from left to right, Rae Gunter, Digene Farrar, Jane Taylor Gray, Freddie Lieberman, and Cathy Pearson.

Name: Rae GunterBorn: 9/13/1960Occupation: Executive/personal assistant Children: Raised niece, Monica (23)Hometown: Columbia, South CarolinaGrand Prize: A $15,000 modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models

Major Change: “I was a tomboy. As far as beauty goes, I was a late bloomer. [My father] called me his ugly duckling. When I won, I phoned home saying, ’It’s the swan calling!’”

Name: Nancy RobeyBorn: 1/21/1950Occupation: Trade show administratorHometown: New York, New YorkPrize: A $10,000 Wilhelmina contract

On Being 50+: “What I miss most are my freckles. They faded from my face and reappeared on my hands. Life is an accumulation of experiences, getting your knocks and getting past them, relishing your battle scars, learning to trust yourself.”

Name: Debra RobertsBorn: 10/4/1958Occupation: Program assistantChildren: Michael (18)Hometown: New York, New YorkPrize: A $5,000 Wilhelmina modeling contract

Beauty Secret: “Getting enough rest is key as is letting go of the stress in your life. And smiling always helps.”

Born: 1/15/1960Occupation: ActressHometown: Venice, California

Beauty Philosophy: “Looking good as a result of achieving a sense of spirituality and balance in my life is great, but it’s not my primary objective.”

Born: 12/14/1960 Occupation: Office managerHometown: Walled Lake, MI

On Turning 40: “The anticipation before turning 40 was the worst part — it’s a number, no big deal! You tend to like who you are more as you age.”

Born: 5/16/1950Occupation: LawyerChildren: Karen (10)Hometown: New York, New York

Beauty Routine: “I exercise, get as much sleep as I can get, eat well, and update my makeup every year. I try not to torture myself with health routines and to be forgiving of myself.”

Born: 2/15/1956Occupation: Entrepreneur/model/registered nurseHometown: Seattle, Washington; New York, New York

Beauty Secret: “Beauty starts on the inside! It starts with the choices you make regarding your lifestyle. Loving yourself leads to self-acceptance and being at peace with yourself.”

Born: 8/7/1956Occupation: Audit manager, U.S. Department of the InteriorChildren: Summer (24), Ashley (19)Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Major Change: “Realizing and being secure in who I am. Recognizing my priorities, which have changed, and having the courage to act on them. Refusing to dress and act to please or impress others.”

Born: 12/18/1943Occupation: ArtistChildren: Jami (32), Ari (29)Hometown: Phoenix, Arizone

Major Change: “I value life more. I try not to take it for granted. I try to make every day meaningful in some way … Life is precious.”

Born: 4/2/1960 Occupation: Social services workerHometown: Sisters, OR

Thoughts: “This contest was a reach for me because I’m shy by nature. My biggest accomplishment was raising my children, helping them become independent people.”