When Johniah Miller was crowned Miss Freshman at Grambling State University, the applause reached far beyond the campus; her modeling coach, Robert Wright, director of the 10/18 Modeling Clinic, celebrated with her.
For over five years, Wright has trained young women ages 10 to 18, preparing them not just for the runway, but for life.
Miller is among the many success stories to come out of Wright’s program. What began as lessons in posture, poise, diet and confidence soon became preparation for a crown. Under his guidance, she gained the skills to compete with elegance and assurance, standing tall on the stage that day as the judges announced her name.
Training for a Competitive World
The 10/18 Clinic is designed to give participants real-world exposure to the modeling and fashion industry. With the support of parents and a network of professionals, girls are coached in everything from stage presence to wardrobe styling. Each graduate leaves with more than experience—they walk away with professional modeling portfolios and, in some cases, even international exposure. Wright has taken groups to meet fashion designers and supermodels abroad, broadening their horizons beyond Monroe.
“We prepare them for the competitive world they’re stepping into,” Wright explains. “That means teaching professionalism, humility, and the determination to succeed no matter what.”
Building Confidence from the Inside Out
Beyond crowns and catwalks, the 10/18 Modeling Clinic emphasizes something deeper: self-worth. Many girls arrive at the program shy and unsure of themselves. By the time they leave, they carry themselves with a new kind of confidence—heads held high, voices steady, ready to face a crowd or an interviewer.
Parents often credit Wright for helping their daughters find not only their stride but their voice.
Former students say the lessons they learned about posture and presentation helped them later in careers outside of modeling.
A Vision for the Future
As the 10/18 Modeling Clinic looks ahead, Robert Wright remains committed to expanding opportunities for the young women of Monroe and beyond. Whether they dream of walking in New York Fashion Week, competing on the Miss America stage, or simply becoming more confident in their daily lives, Wright is determined to equip them with the tools to succeed.
In his words, “The runway ends, the lights dim, but the confidence you gain—that lasts a lifetime.”
As the 10/18 Clinic continues to shape the next generation, stories like Johniah Miller’s prove that the lessons learned in Monroe can open doors around the world—and that the runway is only the beginning.
