Judy Lee was a star in Philadelphia television in the fifties. However, in 1938, while still a teenager, she was named Philadelphia's "Best Mannequin." From a field of 27 area models, Judy Shinn (later known as Judy Lee when she married Broadcast Pioneers member Dr. Charles Lee) won on January 19, 1938 at a competition at the Warwick Hotel in their ballroom. She never bothered with diets or exercise. "I eat like a horse," said Judy. In 1938, she had light brown hair and blue eyes weighing 115 pounds and being 5 feet 8 inches tall. Her measurements, according to an area newspaper of that era, were 33-22-34. At that time, she divided her activities between fashion modeling and dancing in a "sister" act (The Windsors) with Betty Nolan, who was no relation. They did tap, ballet and modern dancing.

She won $100 with a handwritten note from Actress Joan Crawford wishing her well. She also received a "handsome handbag" of blonde alligator skin.

The area newspaper said that Judy's ambition was to be an actress. "Doesn't matter whether it's stage or screen," said Judy. Little did she know it would be neither, but a new field called television. However, she did receive a screen test from the Warner Brother studios.

The award selection was made by a panel made up of a studio photographer, a theatrical coach and a group of fashion writers.