ELY – Memorial High School students here planning to go to Prom this year, but have nothing to wear, can take advantage of a free Prom-wear Popup event at school next week. Hurry, as Prom 2022 is scheduled for Saturday, April 30.
English teacher Amy Kingsley said the idea of having a pop-up clothing boutique for prom literally “popped into my head,” earlier this month and she floated the idea to a couple of teachers and school administrators.
“There is really a need and a desire, so here we are,” she said.
ISD 696 Indian Education Liaison Tracy Anderson is helping Kingsley with the fundraisng event.
First, they needed prom wear donations, so they put a bulletin in the school, went to social media, and spread the word as best they could in the short amount of time they had.
“So many dresses and suits came in quickly, it was amazing,” Kingsley said. “Some of the donated formal wear still have the tags on them. I heard from many kids who bought outfits but didn’t get to wear them when COVID shut everything down.”
Ely Memorial’s prom was canceled in 2020, and an outdoor event was held last year at the Longbranch. This year, a more traditional celebration is being planned at Ely’s Historic State Theater and Insula Restaurant.
Part of a high school classroom has racks full of clothing.
“We have dozens and dozens of great dresses,” Anderson said, as she organized the clothing by size. “We even have three identical dresses. We have many men’s suits. This is all great stuff. And we have received lots of pairs of shoes, beaded purses, other accessories, and even make-up.”
“An online survey for students revealed a surprising need and lots of support for this effort,” Kingsley said. “One guy was looking for a powder blue suit.”
Minor sewing repairs and cleaning of outfits is also done if needed.
“We have a sewing machine here to do easy fixes or an alteration or two,” Anderson said.
Anderson and Kingsley talked about some of the unique prom outfits seen in recent years. “These days, prom-goers can get away with just about anything. And it’s fun to dress up and make a statement.”
And don’t forget that the Middle School Spring Fling is scheduled for Saturday, May 7.
Kingsley said she is focused on giving everyone a chance to participate in prom if they want to.
“Everyone deserves to feel special. These days everyone looks to recycle and reuse everything. We want to get away from that second-hand stigma,” she said. “Let’s keep the cycle going. Everybody wins.”
Students can shop for prom wear in the mornings from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., after school, and “by appointment” in Room 13 near the girls’ locker room.
“We are trying this as free this year,” Kingsley said. “We ask for a suggested donation of $5, but everything is free. We hope to grow this into a nice fundraising event in the future.”