As prom season arrives, anticipation awaits. Students begin to prepare outfits and look forward to the most memorable night of senior year. But, behind the scenes, female leadership is working to ensure every student has access to the celebration. 

Through the school’s free prom dress drive, one counselor, Erica Moore, is turning community support into confidence for young women.

“I was inspired to start a prom drive because prom is a once in a lifetime event that I feel everyone should experience,” Moore said. “And if someone must miss prom, I didn’t want it to be because they couldn’t afford a dress.” 

For many students, prom is a magical night that signifies closing one chapter and moving on to the next of life. Students celebrate friendships, memories, and the excitement of what lies ahead.

“Prom is such a magical time for a senior girl. It’s the one day that females can dress up, forget all their worries and feel like a princess,” Moore said.

When Moore realized how many students weren’t attending prom due to financial reasons, she felt she had to act.

“I felt the drive was needed when I realized how many students were not attending prom because they did not have a dress usually due to finances. That really saddened my heart,” Moore said.

Determined to make a change and help her students, Moore got the first donation from a family member. 

“The first donation was made by my niece, who had an abundance of evening gowns,” Moore said. 

Something as small as one donation, one act of generosity, made students’ dreams come true.

“I turned the guidance office into a dressing room, and the girls just had fun trying on dresses and shoes. It was wonderful to see how happy they were, to make their dreams come true,” Moore said. 

Even beyond dresses, students choose between shoes and accessories as well. Local stylists volunteered their time to assist with the preparation for the event. 

“Shoes and accessories are available. I also know stylists that donate their time and services for free. I don’t want the young lady to have any worries,” Moore said.

She also made it a point to protect student confidentiality. The drive is held in a private setting through the counseling office without having to explain your circumstances.  

“The process is completely confidential,” Moore said.

Beyond just providing dresses to the young girls, this conveys a larger message about inclusivity and support of the school as a whole. For Moore, the drive supports the larger idea that the school should do more than just provide education.

“I think the prom drive sends the message that we are a school community that provides support for students in need,” Moore said.  

This event not only raises awareness about the financial strain that comes with prom but also the potential barriers that come with school events. She hopes that this drive will continue in future years and encourage more community involvement.

“Donation of more dresses, shoes, and accessories, [as well as] monetary donations to purchase items is always helpful and social media engagement to help spread the word for donations,” Moore said.

Ensuring that students feel more confident and through community engagement, she hopes to make prom a reality for students no matter the financial situation. 

“Everyone loves seeing students dress up in fancy clothes. I want them to know that they have people supporting them in attending a positive event,” Moore said. 

If you wish to donate to support the dress drive, at any time please bring gently used or new dresses to Moore in the counselors office. If you know anyone that offers services such as hair, make up, and transportation, contact her.