ELLINWOOD — Taylor Schartz, formerly of Ellinwood, participated in the Millie Lewis Actors Models and Talent for Christ Competition in Orlando, Florida July 6 to 11. Schartz competed on an International level before peers, observers, agents, managers, industry professionals and casting directors, excelling in the performing arts.

Schartz competed in nine categories, which include acting, singing, and modeling. Hewas in the top five of his category and was an overall winner of the "Teen Commercial Model Finalist." He also was chosen to perform in the gospel choir which aired live on internet. There were approximately 300 contestants auditioning for the choir, and 40 were chosen to perform at the AMTC Awards Banquet and Talent Show.

Schartz has also appeared in the June addition of the Wichita Fashion Magazine "Splurge" and has done four professional photo shoots with photographers from Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Schartz is a freshman at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City, Okla. He moved to Oklahoma City this past July where he plans to study film and theater acting, along with specialized voice training.

He is living with his mother Amie, and step-father Jeremy AcAnulla.

Putnam City West will be featured this February 2011 on MTV High School Reality Series. Schartz said MTV filmed him during freshman orientation and football practice and will continue filming the school the entire year.

Schartz is the adopted grandson of Brian and Sharon Schartz of Ellinwood.