A show of style, confidence
Project Prom uses fashion to empower, inspire teens
At least 1,000 Houston ISD students cheered at the top of their lungs when asked whether they were ready for prom. Their cheers went through the roof of Pin Oak Middle School when they were asked if they were ready to graduate.
These teenagers weren’t just excited to begin their adult lives, but to kick them off in style Saturday with the help of Project Prom.
Every year HISD’s Homeless Education Office gathers up prom essentials, including donated dresses, tuxedos, shoes and jewelry, to distribute for free to at-risk students, according to longtime volunteer Catina Flagg.
“They look at ways to reach those underprivileged and underserved and make them feel just as valuable as the privileged and overserved communities,” Flagg said.
Some HISD students strutted down a runway, modeling dresses and tuxedos, to provide inspiration as their classmates hunted for the perfect prom look.
“So far my favorite part — I’m a really big fashion guy — was the fashion show,” said Kellile Allen, 17, from North Forest High School. “They’re trying to put together a little style for us.”
Boys received coupons for tuxedo rentals, while girls scoured racks to find just the right dress. Jewelry, purses and shoes lined tables and walls.
“They had all types of dresses in here,” said Hilaria Hernandez, 19, from Wheatley High School as she held an elegant black dress she felt was was “the one.” “They have long, short, all types of colors, shapes and everything.”
The crowd giggled at an impromptu lesson on chivalry from U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who instructed a a young man on how to guide the girl next to him up the stairs like a gentleman. She encouraged the girl to proudly hold her head up.
“We cannot go forward in America, without each and every one of you,” Jackson Lee told the students. “I don’t want anybody to think that whatever they choose, that that’s not the best look of all. I want it to be a look of dignity.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner shared his own
prom story with the students, recounting how his dad died when he was 13, and his mom worked as a maid and raised her nine children by herself.
Turner had gotten the head cheerleader of his school to be his prom date, but his family didn’t have a car.
“Tomorrow will be better than today,” he recalls his mom telling him.
He encouraged students to remember that the best days of their lives are ahead of them.
“This mayor is proud of each and every one of you,” Turner said. “It’s not what’s on the outside that makes you who you are, it’s what burns on the inside.”
Arming students with confidence is a goal of Project Prom, which also featured an empowerment session for the teens.
One speech started by asking some of the girls: “Who are you?” A few quickly responded with their name in a confused tone before they got the follow-up question: “What makes you?” The girls smiled and started sharing little insights. “I’m smart,” one said. “I’m goofy,” another answered. “I loved the inspirational speeches they gave us in our session,” said Kaylon Atkinson, 17, from South Early College High School.
Alicia Nuzzie and Kimberly Willis from the Harris County District Attorney’s Family Criminal Law Division advised girls to figure out who they are and what they need so that they can recognize the people in their lives that can show them the support they deserve.
“You have to know how to evaluate those people you keep closest to you,” Willis said. “Those will be the ones to influence you the most.”
Jobs recruiters and health screenings were available to help students and their families during this stressful time leading up to graduation. Local colleges also sent recruiters.
“This may be the first opportunity to connect with college,” Flagg said.
Students left with their prom swag, many appearing happy as they anticipated their special celebration to come.
“Today is the first day of your life,” Turner said. “So go to the prom, put on your dresses and put on your tux.”