TLC Helps Prom Dreams Become Reality For DC-Area Students

SILVER SPRING, MD — Prom dreams became a reality for more than 200 D.C.-area high school students at TLC's "Say Yes To The Prom" initiative on Tuesday. Students from Crossland, Duval, Roosevelt, and Gar-field high schools were invited to Discovery's headquarters in Silver Spring and shopped free of charge for prom dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories.

Monte Durham, of TLC's hit wedding reality show "Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta," also offered students one-on-one style sessions.

For some high school students, picking out a prom dress or tuxedo is one of the most important (and priciest) decisions they will make as teenagers. Not all 12th graders, however, can afford it. Initiatives such as TLC's "Say Yes To The Prom" make it possible for dozens of these local high schoolers to attend prom.

"What initially started as a prom dress donation drive and outreach event aimed at outfitting high school students with prom attire back in 2011, TLC's Say Yes To The Prom has since evolved into a nationwide initiative," said Adria Alpert Romm, the creator of the program. "Entering its eighth consecutive year, this program stands by its mission — to give students across the country an unforgettable prom experience, along with educational and career-building opportunities beyond the prom that help prepare students for their futures."

When Gar-field High School student Alexis Knuth learned she was invited to TLC's event, she said she was in shock.

"The first question I asked myself was, 'why me?,'" Knuth said. "I was just so glad that something like this would happen to me — like nothing this special has ever happened to me."

These underserved and academically high achieving students were able to select a dress from Macy's or rent a tuxedo from Men's Warehouse. In addition to picking the perfect prom dress, women got their choice of shoes and accessories.

Knuth chose a bright red gown with bedazzled pockets and silver high heels. The high schooler said she has been eyeing the dress for a long time.

"Ever since I saw 'Pretty Woman,' that's where I got the idea," Knuth said.

In addition to picking a free outfit, students were able to get a free makeover, courtesy of Paul Mitchell Schools.

Durham — who is the fashion director on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta — has helped style thousands of women for their big day. The experience, according to him, never gets old.

"It's interesting: as we roll this out for our eighth year, you'd think that it would get a tad boring or a little bit automatic," Durham told Patch. "But when you see these incredibly deserving students come through here and look through those racks of free dresses and tuxedos and shoes and accessories, it just reignites what we're doing and why we're doing it."

According to Durham, one of his favorite moments was seeing the students look at themselves in the mirror.

"Some of these young ladies may have never put on a new dress before. Some of these guys have never worn a tuxedo. And to see them smile — they're so excited about having a new dress or a new article."

By the end of the day, hundreds of students walked out with a fresh hair cut, accessories, and an outfit for prom.

"I never imagined myself going to prom," Knuth said. "But now that this is happening, it's just opening up a new door for me. It's just overwhelming."

Silver Spring is the first stop on the Say Yes To The Prom's tour. TLC will make stops in Knoxville, Tennessee; Los Angeles; Denver, Colorado; and New York.

SEE ALSO: TLC Gives Local High Schoolers VIP Treatment For Prom: Photos