For a teenage girl, prom can be one of the most magical moments of your life—a night of fun complete with a dazzling outfit that fits you and your taste. However, despite the night of magic that prom offers, for many, the experience can be entirely unaffordable. However, Davie’s Travel Club found a way to make that cost less detrimental.
English teacher and fairy godmother Erica Spry was looking for a service project for the Travel Club, which will later travel across Europe in the coming year. She herself realized how prom costs can cause a huge dent in one’s wallet. “I went to prom when I was in high school, but I could definitely not afford a trendy dress. I ended up getting a dress for $40 at Ross.” Providing dresses and other attire was only a part of Spry and the Travel Club’s work for their community. “I was touched that my Travel Club students so eagerly jumped in as personal shopping assistants to help others find the perfect fit. They really went above and beyond.”
The environment that surrounded the excited girls as they picked out their dresses was absolutely enchanting—a room of overwhelming support and love from both volunteers and close friends. Smiles were seen all over the room, and compliments flooded the air. As she watched these moments play out, photojournalist Andrea Keller tearfully said, “This is just so precious.”
Denise Bailey, a junior at Davie, found her dream dress through The Cinderella Project—a beautiful blue sequined dress that looks to be made for her. She excitedly says that she found the Cinderella Project through Erica Spry’s class this year. Spry hugs her tight and exclaims, “This is my kid!”
Erien Jones is a senior at Davie who had also taken Spry’s class previously. As she had already known Ms. Spry, she thought the pop-up event would be a great place to find her dress. It didn’t take her long to find the perfect dress. The helpful volunteers at the event told Jones she wasn’t allowed to try on any other dresses because that was the one.
Claire Gouch is a junior at Davie who really didn’t know what she wanted her prom dress to look like. She says she had gone to tons of stores and dress after dress and couldn’t find the one for her. She said one of her friends had told her about the pop-up prom event, so she decided to go just to test the waters. Claire was able to find her dress in the place she would least expect, the dance room at Davie. “It was just so unique looking it caught my eye.”
Enjoying your teenage years shouldn’t break the bank. Thanks to the amazing folks who donated dresses this year, some girls were able to go home with a dress they normally wouldn’t be able to afford. Additionally, the Travel Club and Erica Spry accomplished a new goal: these girls were able to feel support and love where they might not feel it elsewhere. A fantastic idea turned into reality and saved the hearts and pockets of many.
