Banyan School Students Light Up the Runway

There was thunderous applause as Banyan School students modeled all the latest spring fashions at Spring Fling, the school’s ninth Annual Fashion Show and Auction, held at the Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany, on April 4th. Cheered on by almost 400 family members and friends, Banyan’s budding super models wore fashions provided by Barry’s Tuxedos, CoCo’s Chateau, Delia’s, Francesca’s Collections, Old Navy and Sports Authority. Exclaimed a parent of one of the model students: “What a great success! We had such a fabulous time and were so happy to see all the children so confident and proud on the runway.”

Vince Rienzi, President of the Board of Trustees and co-founder of Banyan School with his wife, Donna, notes that the Annual Fashion Show is an important part of Banyan’s tradition because it is a wonderful, “feel good” event.  “The children are surrounded by people who want to see them succeed and thrive, so naturally, they have the self-assurance and confidence to be in the limelight. It’s this kind of safety net that allows our special needs students to grow socially and emotionally…and it fosters that sense of belonging that everyone craves. That’s what Banyan is all about.”

Started in 1993, Banyan School — which is now celebrating its 20-year anniversary — is a private, non-profit, state-approved school for children with learning differences. The Elementary School is located in Fairfield and the High School and 18- to 21-Transistion Program is located in Little Falls.