WENATCHEE — Better hair, better clothes and — cha-ching! — a better bank balance.

Local kindergarten teacher Amy Ferrell could get a major upgrade in looks and lifestyle if she musters enough votes later this month in a nationwide contest offering a million dollars in cash and products.

Ferrell, 35, a teacher at John Newbery Elementary, is one of eight finalists announced March 1 in the Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly, an online competition that drew more than 19,000 applicants from across the country.

The contest “gives eight deserving customers a chance to completely reinvent their lives,” said Martine Reardon, a Macy’s marketing executive.

Along with other finalists, Ferrell will receive a full head-to-toe cosmetic and fashion makeover guided by Kelly, a co-host of cable television’s “What Not to Wear.” On March 28, she’ll appear in a Macy’s-produced video posted on Facebook, where voters can decide who grabs the million-dollar prize.

Also part of the makeover’s prize is a new wardrobe and an undisclosed amount of cash.

An introductory video already posted on the website provides intimate — and good-natured — glimpses into Ferrell’s life as a teacher, mother of five kids and owner of a house that’s too small and clothes that are too big.

Over the last year, Ferrell lost 60 pounds but still wears many of the same clothes. She pins and tucks them in the back in a make-do tailoring effort.

Voting began Monday at Facebook.com/Macys. Two contestants’ final makeover videos will be presented each week through April, with Ferrell’s appearing the last week of March. Voting ends May 18, and voters must be at least 18 years old.

To cast a ballot, voters must have a Facebook account and click through two screens, one of which allows Macy’s access to a person’s basic Facebook information. Voters must also “like” Macy’s to view contestants’ introductory videos.

Mike Irwin: 665-1179

irwin@wenatcheeworld.com