Picture Perfect
With beautiful faces of all ages in the Valley, AFM decided its second-annual Face of Foothills contest needed another component: the Future Face of Foothills. After months of Web voting and anticipation for the final results, one face in particular shined among the hundreds of contestants. Twelve-year-old Madi Mercer was crowned the Future Face of Foothills winner in the fall.
A student at Sonoran Trails Middle School, Mercer is anything but a typical 12-year-old. She is involved in several extracurricular activities, both in and outside of school, that keep her mind free and heart pumping. “I love fitness and staying in shape.” Mercer has been running cross-country and track and field since sixth grade, in addition to dancing for four years at Cave Creek Dance Academy. “It’s a great activity to get your emotions out. For instance, when I’m stressed, I just put on my dance shoes and dance.”
While watching “America’s Next Top Model” one day with her sister, Mercer decided to add modeling to her list of pursuits. Her parents wholeheartedly supported their daughter’s ambition to pursue something completely unfamiliar. The same day as her first photo shoot, Mercer overheard a radio announcement for the Future Face of Foothills contest. She thought, “Oh my gosh, I need to go!” With her parents’ approval, Mercer took her first steps toward launching her modeling endeavor.
With her family and friends behind her throughout the whole journey, Mercer’s vivaciousness and genuine spirit ensured her a spot in the top 12 and, later, the No. 1 position. When asked about her competition, Mercer says, “I was more excited than nervous to meet the other kids. It was interesting to hear everyone’s story and how they enjoy the same thing I do.” Finally, after months of stored-up emotions and eagerness, Mercer accepted her new title with tears running down her face and in front of roaring fans and her support system: her family. “I felt like my whole modeling career was going to start right then. My chance had finally come; it was in my reach and that was an amazing feeling.”
Future Face of Foothills was an opportunity that lead Mercer toward other avenues of modeling; after winning the contest, she was signed with FORD/Robert Black Modeling Agency. As for her future endeavors, Mercer plans to continue her modeling career, join her high school’s dance team and learn more about the fashion industry in college.
It’s safe to presume that the world has a lot to see from this ambitious young lady. Only a middle school student, Mercer has made a name for herself in various aspects in her life, including the local modeling arena.
It’s like her favorite quote says, “My life is a fashion show and the world is my runway.”
