About-Face: Sydney Spies' Racy Photo Will be Included in School Yearbook

The school officials had earlier refused to publish the controversial photo of Sydney Spies, calling it inappropriate. The officials told Spies that she had violated the school’s dress code by wearing a short yellow skirt and a black shawl as the top.

Spies’ photo was taken by a professional photographer and was submitted in the yearbook with her mom’s approval.

Spies, who aspires to be a model, insists that the photo is artistic and said she will continue promoting her photo.

When high school officials told the class to submit a photo that best represented them, Spies submitted her photo in a short skirt and the allegedly provocative top.

The photo was considered too racy and was not accepted for publication. Spies submitted another photo of hers in a strapless dress which was also rejected by school officials.

In an interview with NBC’s Today, Spies said: I honestly think the picture describes who I am. I'm an outgoing person and I really do think it’s artistic.

I just didn't want to be boring. I'm not a person who's going to stand against a wall and smile.

The yearbook committee has decided to publish her photograph as an advertisement at the back of the book for over $300. Since Spies is willing to pay for it, the photo will be included in the yearbook.

“If it's going to be in the yearbook anyway, then why should I not be able to have it as my senior picture? That’s what I don’t understand,” Spies said.