Student hits the fashion runway
KU freshman takes modeling debut and schoolwork in stride
By Jenni Curry
Kansan Correspondent
Two years ago, Leana Pennington would never have imagined herself as a finalist in a nationwide model search. In fact, she almost didn't turn in her application for the Seventeen/JCPenney cover model contest.
"Inever had dreams or aspirations to be like Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell," said the Gardner freshman, who now hopes to become an international runway model in Milan and Japan.
Pennington now has something in common with these supermodels exposure in a national fashion magazine. One of eight finalists selected from thousands of applicants, she is featured in the October issue of Seventeen.
The finalists were flown to New York, where they enjoyed Broadway shows, dinner at trendy theme cafes and popular sightseeing attractions. A photo shoot with Friends star Matt LeBlanc topped off the weekend. The experience gave the finalists an opportunity to bond.
Despite the difficulties of balancing modeling and her studies, she plans to earn a degree at the University of Kansas. Pennington is a psychology major but plans to switch to business, which she believes will be more useful for her career.
The experience already has benefited Pennington's career. When she returned from New York, several agencies contacted her.The fact that she has received national exposure will help boost her career.
Although Pennington is determined to get her degree, she isn't likely to pass up modeling opportunities.
"I know this doesn't last forever, and
"We all became really good friends, actually," Pennington said. "Seventeen was more pleased with our group than last years because it was more of a competitive feeling that they all had against one another, but we all became really good friends."
"I never had dreams or aspirations to be like Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell."
Leana Pennington
Gardnerfreshman
that's why if I happen to get a big break during college, I would leave college for a year," she said. "Clients and what they want out of a person's looks — it changes all the time."
As she was growing up, Pennington often heard people suggest that she try modeling. However, she didn't start modeling until two years ago, when she was selected as a model for the local Jones Store. Since then, she has worked as a runway model and in newspaper ads and other print work.
Jennifer Mangan, Pennington's agent,
said Pennington made a wonderful model because she is beautiful and knows how to perform in front of the camera. Mangan believes Pennington has the ability to become an international supermodel, despite the tough competition.
"There is always another pretty girl, but beauty isn't everything," Mangan said. "It's not just your looks, it's your personality."
Want to gain real-world experience writing for the University Daily Kansan?
CONTACT AMY MCVEY AT 864-4810 AND ATTEND THE 4:30 P.M.OCTOBER 22 CORRESPONDENTS MEETING IN ROOM 100 STAUFFER-FLINT.
4048 BROADWAY KANSAS CITY, MO. (816)753-0884
Billy Goat with American Sex Machine & Planet B
Bent Scepters with The Kabalas & Speedball Baby
Tina and the B-Side Movement
SHALLOW with Lifter
HOUSE OF LARGE SIZES WITH FLAT DUO JETS AND BABE THE BLUE OX
Kill Creek with Expanding Man & Ditch Croaker
Jason and the Scorchers with Slobberbone
Season to Risk with Tribe 8 and Ditch Witch
Halloween Pamper the Madman Palomar and Godplow
The Connells
Every Sunday is Dave Stephens Swing Quartet Every Monday is Strange Bedfellows House Party
Bon Ton every Friday at 6pm, Saturday at 5pm
Every Tuesday is Indie Rock Lounge and Trip Hop Tuesday
Cheap Drinkin' Specials Every Sunday through Thursday,9-11 pm Super Super Cheap Draws and Wells
Plus Cheap Martinis at the Martini Corner every Sunday through Tuesday
Homecoming
9