For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2005
SENATE HONORS OKLAHOMA FINALIST FOR "AMERICA'S
NEXT TOP MODEL"
The State Senate honored another outstanding
Oklahoman today. Last week, the legislative body honored
American Idol finalist Carrie Underwood and today they
recognized the accomplishments and talents of America's
Next Top Model finalist, Kahlen Rondot. The Broken Arrow
resident just competed in Season Four of the nationally
televised series on UPN produced and hosted by Super Model
Tyra Banks.
"I am simply amazed at how much talent we have in
Oklahoma - athletes, singers, actors, models...We have
it all," said Sen. Mike Mazzei. "The fact that
we've had two young women recognized for their talents
on nationally televised hit TV shows this year is incredible
and speaks highly of the people of Oklahoma."
Senate Resolution 51, authored by Broken Arrow legislators
Sen. Mazzei and Sen. Scott Pruitt, recognizes and praises
the 21-year-old for her tremendous effort and determination
in fulfilling her dreams.
"This is a tough business and Kahlen showed that
she has what it takes. She showed great will and courage
even though she went through some times of adversity while
competing," commented Sen. Pruitt. "We just
want her to know how proud we all are of her and that
we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors."
Rondot is a 2002 graduate of Broken Arrow High School.
She then graduated from the Barbizon Modeling and Acting
Center in Dallas, Texas. She is the daughter of Tom and
Keven Rondot and the sister of Tara and Tori Rondot.
Kahlen moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career
at the age of 19. She was working as a maitre d' at a
five-star restaurant when she was spotted by the show's
producers and creator Tyra Banks and asked to audition
for America's Next Top Model. She competed for twelve
weeks against 14 other modeling hopefuls to become one
of the top two finalists. During that time, she was challenged
through various modeling assignments which included hiking
across the South African countryside to pose at a remote
waterfall, being lowered into a grave as one of the seven
deadly sins and posing with a crocodile while made up
as a gazelle.
"I just want to congratulate Kahlen for all of her
hard work and dedication. Her success just goes to show
that together determination and perseverance really can
make a person's dreams come true," continued Mazzei.
"She is an inspiration to all of us and has served
as a wonderful role model for those who watched the show."
Following the reading of the resolution, Kahlen signed
autographs and took photos with Senate guests and excited
fans.
"This was my first time to visit the Capitol so it
was really special for me and the fact that the Senate
gave me this beautiful resolution made it even better,"
said Rondot. "It's so touching to know that you have
the support of your state and that so many people believe
in you, even when you sometimes struggle to believe in
yourself. I want to thank everyone at the Senate for their
warm reception and words of encouragement. It means so
much to me!"
For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office- (405) 521-5774