Huntsville native and model Sherell Baldwin has been making the rounds in town this week, asking for the support of her friends and in her quest to become America’s Next Top Model.

Baldwin, 22, a model since age 15, has entered herself in a contest sponsored by KIAH-TV Channel 39 in Houston to be one of three girls first in line at an upcoming casting call for the CW television show “America’s Next Top Model.”

Baldwin said she heard about the contest from a friend and immediately jumped at the opportunity.

“My friend and former manager, Meoka McBride-Norman, contacted me about the news and told me to check it out ASAP and do it,” she said. “So I did.  On, June 25 I filled out the online application, and uploaded a ‘normal’ picture of me, instead of a professional photo, and the very next morning I checked out the Web site again and found out that they had posted me as a candidate. I was so excited that I jumped up to tell my mom about the news and immediately got on the phone to inform my friends and family.”

Baldwin’s name and photo are now posted on Channel 39’s Web site, 39online.com, along with more than 200 other girls, all competing for the three VIP passes that would allow them to cut in line and be among the first to audition at ANTM’s Houston casting call for the show’s 14th cycle, which is expected to begin airing next spring.

Baldwin has appeared previously in numerous fashion and hair shows, and has been featured in Trendz Hairstyles and Lucas Hair magazines. She said that even if she gets her shot at the top model crown, she will never forget her hometown.

“Well, I am thrilled to be recognized as a potential top model, being from the small town of Huntsville but I will definitely stay humble all the way and hopefully be able to give back to the community and donate to charities like the Good Shepherd Mission, my school Sam Houston State University to make up scholarship funds, and the HEARTS and Prison Museums,” Baldwin said. “I want to be a part of this because I want to travel around the world some more, meet new people to promote and network myself, and be an inspiration to young girls and show them that you can make it big in life, even though you are from a small town. You have to stand up and go get it, because it’s not going to come to you. It’s very hard work, but I am focused and determined.”

To vote for Sherell Baldwin in the Channel 39 Top Model First In Line Contest, log on to www.39online.com, click on contests, select the Top Model First In Line Contest banner, then find the name “Sherell” listed at number 16. Select the box next to her name, then click vote. The amount of votes per person is not limited. The contest ends July 8.