hold (someone or something) up as an example
To focus on someone or something as exemplary or ideal in some way. Hey, Little Miss Perfect—it's really annoying how Mom and Dad always hold you up as an example.
hold someone or something up as an example
Fig. to single out someone or something as a person or thing worthy of imitation. No one has ever held me up as an example. Jane held up Doris as an example. I hate to hold myself up as an example, but if you would do what I do, at least I wouldn't criticize you.