By GINA MAURER

Broadcasting, digital video and graphic design are all common interests of CHS students, but junior Sallie Haas of Deal has a unique passion of her own: fashion.

Haas said her love for fashion began at a young age.

“Ever since I was really little, I was always good at putting colors together and helping my mom decide what to wear,” she said.

Originally, Haas said she wanted to be a fashion designer and participated in sewing camps and sketching classes. But Haas later changed her mind because she didn’t like sewing.

This led Haas to explore other aspects of the fashion industry, like modeling. She has modeled for local stores and hopes to sign on with an agency by the summer, such as IMG and Ford, Haas said, but she faces one unique challenge.

“Being five foot, I knew I was going to have it harder than most. I always told myself I could do it, but I didn’t believe it until the summer after freshman year at my first shoot.”

Haas said her makeup artist, Deneal, told her she had an “interesting look” and that she could see her working for British Vogue.

“Never once did she mention my height. From that point on I realized the industry is harsh, but life is harsh and I wanted to be a model regardless of what standards are in front of me,” Haas said.

Combining her love for modeling and clothing, Haas created the first annual CHS Fashion Show in 2014. This year’s show will be hosted on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m., and all profits will go towards the upcoming May 29 prom.

“I first did the fashion show for myself, but after, I realized how much I love making others happy so seeing everyone smiling and laughing after the show was all I needed,” Haas said.

Though unsure of which career she wants to pursue, Haas knows it’s going to be related to fashion.

“I am planning to go to a school with a good fashion program and going into fashion merchandising and marketing,” Haas said.

However, Haas hopes to do more with her life than make a career for herself.

“I plan to make it in the industry, but helping to pave a way for others to break down barriers in fashion is what truly would make me the happiest,” she said.