The controversy over a Durango High School student's senior yearbook portrait has hit the big time.

Sydney Spies and her mother, Miki Spies, appeared on the Today Show Monday morning to talk with host Matt Lauer about the dispute, which started after the portrait Spies submitted was rejected.

In the picture, which Lauer described as provocative, Spies is wearing a yellow shirt and a black shawl that exposes her shoulders and midriff.

Spies told Lauer that although the photo was rejected by the student editors of yearbook, she feels their decision was influenced by the school's administration.

A second picture of her standing against a wall in a short, strapless dress was also rejected.

The shows' producers also interviewed the student editors remotely, and they stood by the decision, stating it was based on their desire to maintain a high level of professionalism in their work. They restated their position that Spies can still use the picture in a paid “senior advertisement,” which costs $300 and runs at the back of the publication.

Spies said she is still holding out hope that the yearbook staff will reverse their decision and let her use the picture, which she called “artistic” and said best represents her as a person.

Above is an exerpt from Monday morning's Today Show with Sydney and Miki Spies. More information and video available soon.