As prom season approaches, many MCPS students are getting ready for the big occasion with elegant dresses, charming tuxedos, and sparkling jewelry. Over 225 local students were able to have the prom experience of a lifetime for free.
TLC’s seventh annual “Say Yes to the Prom” tour gave high-achieving and economically disadvantaged teens across the country the opportunity to realize their prom dreams. Many of these students had trouble with the expenses that are associated with prom, so the program was an exciting way to recognize their achievements.
The April 5th event in Silver Spring at the Discovery Communications’ Headquarters was the last stop on a nationwide tour that began in March. Local teens from the D.C. area, including students from Watkins Mill High School, were able to choose a free prom outfit with accessories included.
With the aid of prom consultants, girls chose from a selection of over 2,500 donated dresses as well as bags and accessories from Macy’s. With so many options, the teens were able to find their ultimate head-to-toe prom ensemble to take home. Katy Perry Collections provided women’s shoes, Paul Mitchell Schools offered hair and makeup consultations, and Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer provided nail polish.
Boys selected a suit or tuxedo with a tie and belt from options offered by Men’s Warehouse. They also had on-site professional tailoring services from George Worrell Style. Afterward, they received a gift card to Men’s Warehouse to pick up the look for their school’s prom. All students were given the opportunity to have one-on-one style sessions with Monte Durham, host and fashion director on TLC’s popular show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.
The event took some key elements from its namesake, Say Yes to the Dress. Students posed in their prom ensembles for photos with Monte for their “Monte Mirror Moment” in front of an elegant silver mirror.
Despite the excitement over the glamorous outfits, “Say Yes to the Prom” was much more than just a way for students to receive an all-expenses paid prom experience. The event also strived to empower high school students and encourage them to continue working hard for their goals in the future.
“That program has since evolved into a nationwide initiative with an exceptional, impactful mission – to give underserved, deserving students across the country an unforgettable prom experience along with educational and career-building opportunities,” “Say Yes to the Prom” creator Adria Alpert Romm said.
Participating students were encouraged to apply for opportunities with The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation’s Careers in Entertainment as well as paid communications internships with The Emma Bowen Foundation. Staffers also suggested that students give back by donating their dresses to other students after their own prom.
“Say Yes to the Prom” gave hundreds of disadvantaged students the chance to live their prom dreams, making their high school experience that much more special.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Anna Chen of Richard Montgomery High School