High School Students Organize Third Annual Prom Fashion Show on March 8

A dedicated group of local students and volunteers will present the Third Annual Prom Fashion Show on Sunday, March 8. Proceeds from the show will benefit Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA). The show will be held from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, and includes an after-show reception and refreshments.

The Prom Fashion Show offers a unique opportunity for students to showcase the latest formal styles in a fun setting while helping a good cause. Approximately 60 students from Glenbrook North, Deerfield, and Highland Park High Schools will take to the runway in extravagant gowns and stylish tuxedos. Local businesses are providing support, including dresses and accessories from Lord & Taylor, tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse, and hair styling and makeup from Red Door Spa. Dr. Paul Pryma, Glenbrook North Principal, will return for his second appearance as Master of Ceremonies.

Glenbrook North students Grace Elisco, Shaina Hakimian, and Jordan Quant are heading the event planning with help from community volunteer Bob Lozaro. For them, the leadership experience has had a positive impact that goes far beyond the fashion show itself.

“This is my second year co-chairing the North Suburban Prom Fashion Show and it’s truly been a rewarding experience,” notes Elisco. “One of my goals is to start my own non-profit organization, and planning this event has given me skills that I will need to do so. I’m so happy to continue to raise money for the NCDAA, especially because many teens are troubled by drugs or alcohol. Based on the success of last year’s show, we’ve had more people interested in modeling this year. This is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to have fun and support the community before they go off to college.”

Her friend Shaina Hakimian is looking forward to seeing their hard work come to fruition. Reflecting on her experience from last year’s show, she remarked that “My favorite aspect of the show is seeing it all come together: GBN Principal Dr. Pryma emceeing, watching the audience enjoy themselves, and seeing adolescents in our community create lasting memories before the end of their high school careers. It is truly a very exciting event to be involved in, and it is a privilege to work with the NCDAA.”

NCDAA is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit community organization, dedicated to the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by youth. The NCDAA’s mission is to foster communication within families and community. An independent agency partnering with the YMCA’s Family Life Education Department, NCDAA works with leading community groups and experts to coordinate family and community prevention efforts, and sponsors a wide variety of speakers to educate youth, parents, and teachers about emotional and physical health.

Tickets for the Prom Fashion Show are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. They are available at the North Suburban YMCA Welcome Desk, 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook. For more information, contact Misty Vinson-Spitzer, mspitzer@nsymca.org or 847 272 7250.

Photo Caption: High school models posed together at the 2014 Prom Fashion Show, held at the North Suburban YMCA. The 2015 show will be presented on Sunday, March 8.