CONFIDENCE IN CLOTHES
Wunsche High School’s ‘closet’ program helps students find their dress for success
Carl Wunsche Sr. High just isn’t like other schools.
The career academy in the Spring Independent School District doubles as a training ground for future employment, complete with mentorship, internship and cooperative learning programs.
And that means students must learn to dress for the part — wearing professional outfits for campus milestones, said TeKedra Pierre, the school’s medical academy coordinator.
The campus requires students to practice sporting their best attire with regularity — holding Professional Dress Tuesdays every week.
Many students, however, do not have access to the appropriate clothes, Pierre said.
“A lot of our students are on free and reduced lunch,” she said. “That alone lets us know there is a need. And we’re a career academy, so the need here is very relevant.”
A parent suggested that the school keep a few items around to give to students who otherwise could not afford to buy their own professional wardrobe.
“From there it just took on a life of its own,” Pierre said.
Teachers and staff donated clothes, and members of the business community also started reaching out.
“It started in my office with a box, a bag and a few hangers,” Pierre said. “Then the district found out, and it grew from there.”
Soon her office started to resemble a closet.
“But it was a good conversation piece,” she said with a laugh.
Whenever someone would ask her why clothes were strewn about, she could tell them about the need for more donations.
Soon, the school recognized that a dedicated space for storage was becoming a top priority and an empty classroom in the back of the building was transformed into the “Wunsche Closet.”
Now students in need are able to visit the closet to “shop” for business attire, including suits, ties, dresses, skirts, belts and shoes to use for their campus related activity.
“We want them to have confidence when they wear the clothes,” Pierre said. “And the clothes are theirs to keep.”
Anyone may donate to help keep the Wunchse Closet well-stocked with a variety of sizes by simply dropping off clothing in good condition at the school’s front desk.
Students sign up for an appointment to visit the closet, either by stopping by Pierre’s office or through a referral from another teacher. They could walk away with an entire ensemble or a few accessories that finish off an outfit they already have.
Pierre said that this service not only provides students with clothes for their internship interviews and upscale campus events but also helps them gain expertise in what appropriate dress is for such occasions.
“We want our students to be prepared,” Pierre said. “We also want our students to be comfortable asking for what they need.”
Daniella Trujillo, 16, said she recently visited the closet and tried on clothes with a few friends.
“There were all kinds of sizes,” she said. “It was really beneficial for us.”
The junior said that finding professional outfits can be difficult.
“Plenty of my friends freak out, because they don’t have professional clothes and they don’t want to spend $100 out of their pockets,” she said.
Trujillo said the closet has made a difference on campus. “It’s very helpful,” she said. “Everyone knows about it, and most of us are very excited about it. It’s always nice to be able to dress well.”
Pierre said students feel proud and more confident when they are dressed appropriately in their internships, presentations and interviews.
“The last thing they need to be concerned about is whether they have something to wear,” she said.
Karen Garrison, spokeswoman for Spring ISD, said that the school’s effort to provide for the students is inspiring. She added that community involvement has made it clear to students that both their teachers and neighbors care about their success.
“When community support is combined with that of teachers, administrators and parents, it is very powerful and encouraging to our students,” Garrison said. “The Wunsche Closet is a great example of those forces coming together.”