SHE conquered the classroom, now Great Western's Sheridan Hancock has set her sights on the catwalk.
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Last year's Marian College dux, 18, is this year vying for the Miss World Australia title.
Miss Hancock impressed in the state final at The Langham in Melbourne on Sunday.
She was chosen in the top 10 and will compete in the national final in Perth in August.
Miss Hancock said she did not expect to progress through to the next stage.
"I was really surprised because all of the girls were so lovely,” she said.
“I thought for sure they would make it through ahead of me.”
Miss Hancock will undergo a vigorous training regime ahead of the final.
She will given advice on how to strut her stuff, brush up on interview skills and prepare for a photo shoot.
"I am really looking forward to it,” she said.
“It is such an amazing opportunity to be part of this kind of competition.”
Miss Hancock said the Miss World Australia pageant was not only about appearance.
"This competition actually relies on you as a person, how you speak and what you want to do for the world,” she said.
"I have always loved photography, being both in front and behind the camera.
"This competition enables you to combine your love of modelling with charity, providing you with a platform to fundraise."
Each of the finalists is encouraged to raise money for children’s charity Variety.
"Variety gives children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs the opportunity to grow up and have as much of a normal life as they can," Miss Hancock said.
She has raised $1200 for the cause so far.
She will host a barbecue fundraiser at Stawell Woolworths on Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm.
Miss Hancock’s mother Amanda said family and friends were proud of her achievement.
"We are proud of her reaching the top 10 of Victoria and her commitment to raise money for such a worthy organisation," she said.
If Miss Hancock wins the final in Perth on August 30, she will become Australia's representative in the international Miss World pageant.