Two young women from the Bay raked in a string of wins at the Talent America Competition and International Princess Pageant, both held in New York earlier this month.
Framesby High School pupil Anneke Bushby and Leanka Laubscher, of the Leanka Laubscher School of Dance, arrived at the Port Elizabeth Airport on Wednesday night following their whirlwind two-week experience in the Big Apple.
Jointly the two scooped more than 20 awards in the categories of dance, drama, modelling and photogenic, with Laubscher receiving special awards for overall best model in the 25 to 29 year age category, top model, best duet and division winner at Talent America.
Anneke and Laubscher also won a special award for best duet in the Lyrical category.
Anneke, 16, who entered for nine entries in Talent America, said preparing for the competition had been hard work.
“I had to schedule my time very carefully because I had to juggle school and modelling.
“I am very proud that in each of the nine categories I entered I received something. I was also offered call-backs by three US modelling agencies.
“It goes to show that the more hard work you put in, the better the results.
“We were competing against many other people from the States and for us to walk away with awards shows we really put in effort. I did everything I’d learnt at Sophisticate Modelling School and the Leanka Laubscher School of Dance, and it worked.
“Last year, when we went for the competition, we had no idea what to expect. This year we came prepared and confident. I am honoured to have received the opportunity to go to New York for a second time. It was a beautiful experience.
“Participating in international competitions has boosted my confidence, and allowed me to grow and be independent,” she added.
The rest of the group of Talent Africa participants from the Bay, Zoë Goosen, Chanique Wepener and Marelize Opperman, returned home with first place accolades from the competition last Friday. 
Laubscher and Anneke stayed for the International Princess Pageant at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where both received awards for prettiest eyes and Anneke, best formal attire, overall beauty, best dancer and TV commercial.
Laubscher, 27, who received best entertainer and overall talent, and best outfit in the commercial category said being in New York was “wonderful”.
“Apart from the competitions we got a chance to tour the city that never sleeps. The International Princess Pageant was an eye-opener; we competed with more than 800 girls and were able to come out on top,” she said.
“We entered in five categories – talent, tv commercial, interview, casual runway outfit and formal attire, and walked away with awards in each category.
“The experience was wonderful and we learnt new things through workshops we attended during the competition. I look forward to doing the competition again next year.”