Prom is a special event for seniors. It is a moment to appreciate the accomplishments made over the years of high school and celebrate with peers. However, prom can cost a significant amount of money, ranging from tickets to transportation, and attire. The attire for prom is formal, and prom dresses can range from 300 to 800 dollars, which not everyone can afford.
Through the help of the Taft Alumni Association, individuals can have the opportunity to get a free prom dress. If interested, students are encouraged to fill out a Google form, which can be found in the CPS emails and or on Taft-affiliated websites. Walk-ins are also welcome to come and check out the dresses. The event will be held on March 14, from 9 am to 2 pm. In the Taft Varsity campus form or room 162.
Donations consist of slightly worn and or new dresses, shoes, wraps, purses, and jewelry. If you are interested in donating, donations are accepted up until March 10, and through contacting the main office or Jamie Napolitano. This year is special since the Taft Alumni Association has partnered with Sew Bridal Edison Park, which has also made dress contributions towards the cause.
Jamie Napolitano, Social Media Specialist, helped coordinate and promote the event. She went on to state how this is Taft’s second year hosting this event and how they are hoping to extend it in the future to include suits and men’s wear. “Students of any grade level can come and look at the dresses and take them home to use them for prom or another event,” said Napolitano.
Napolitano continued, “From sitting in and observing last year’s event, so many students were excited about the opportunity to not only try on the dresses but also have the accessibility for more options. Our goal for this event is to make students feel comfortable and happy and ultimately clear the racks.”
There is no limit and no requirement other than being a Taft student. There will be a dressing room available for students to try on dresses. In addition, the Owner of Sew Bridal and Stylist, Kelly Clark, will be at the event providing students with advice and offering tailorations.
Jessica Kaplan, Special Education teacher at Coonley Elementary, learned about the event through a Taft teacher. Having excess dresses from wedding events and so forth, she decided to donate.
Kaplan expressed that students, no matter their circumstances, should have the ability to attend school events and experience these big moments feeling their absolute best. “There should be no barriers to life milestones,” said Kaplan.
Kaplan continued, “Schools are not just about teachers, principals, rules, and regulations; it’s also about the student voice and having them feel welcome and included while becoming educated citizens.”
She went on to share her own experience when her high school did a free dress boutique and free alterations and how it made students feel equal and happy to fit in with everyone else who was dressed up for prom.
Senior Alison Salinas shared how prom and senior year are two of the most important years to people, like herself since they are the last years of high school. Symbolizing the last years of youth before heading off to college. “As a student here at Taft, this can help me money-wise where not all of us can get a dress that is expensive these days.”
“There are people I know that will look for dresses to get a feel of what they are looking for in a dress they would like, then go to different places to find something similar to what they are looking for. I think schools should do more events like this to help people who aren’t capable of going to school dances or their outfits for school events,” said Salinas.
This opportunity allows students to feel good about themselves. Especially on special occasions such as prom. When people feel best about themselves, it builds confidence and allows them to make positive memories that will last a lifetime.
