Bury St Edmunds teenager Megan Giunchi, who attends Thurston Community College, in New York as she continues showbiz journey

A schoolgirl from Bury St Edmunds is perfecting her pose for her debut at New York Fashion Week.

Megan Giunchi, 15, a student at Thurston Community College, is in the iconic US city for the weekend as she continues her burgeoning journey into showbiz.

The teenager has been selected by IndiKids Magazine, which showcases up-and-coming young people in entertainment, to appear on the runway during New York Fashion Week, and she is also set to have a photoshoot in Times Square.

Additionally, she features on the cover of IndiKids Magazine, with a three-page spread inside about the ‘rising star’s’ entertainment journey.

This has all led on to the opportunity for Megan to do London Fashion Week.

Modelling aside, Starz TV network has selected the youngster to star as the lead role in a short movie and a commercial, with the shooting taking place next July in Los Angeles.

Megan said she was ‘very excited’ about New York this weekend and added: “I can’t wait to see what else the future is holding for me and remember to always follow your dreams.”

Mum Michelle McConnell said it was her daughter’s ambition to go into acting, but, no matter what happened, ‘it’s all an amazing experience’.

She said: “I’m always proud and I’m as proud when she does things like her shows for the school. For me, it’s an amazing opportunity and she’s got to meet some lovely, lovely people.

“If it ends up leading to something, so be it. If not, she can look back at this time and it’s amazing.”

In July last year Megan attended iPOP! (International Presentation of Performers) in LA, where she got picked up by a couple of acting agencies.

And while there she was selected to attend, in June this year, the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, a drama school in New York, on a scholarship for a summer programme.

Megan’s parents, Michelle and dad Fabio Giunchi, are keen to share their daughter’s achievements to help inspire other girls, and also highlight the performing arts opportunities for youngsters on our doorstep in Bury. Megan attends Theatretrain and Platinum Dance Academy, both in Bury, and Attitude Dancers Academy.

Michelle also said Megan’s story showed what could be achieved, even if you are from a small town: “You can create your own opportunities.”