Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

GALLERY: Dream dresses made affordable for Wesmor students

Mar 26, 2015 | 4:59 PM

High school students strut their stuff for a good cause on Thursday during the seventh-annual Wesmor Walks the Walk Grad Fashion Show.

The early afternoon fashion show was organized by educational associate Kathy Nagy and the dresses were modelled by Wesmor Public High School students.

Grade 12 student Roberta Alook said she was invited to be a part of the fashion show because of her height, but she agreed because it’s a great cause.

“I was so nervous, I was so thankful there was, like, spotlights because I couldn’t see the crowd,” she said.

Alook said in the end she enjoyed walking the catwalk and she fell in love with a pink, sparkly, princess-style dress which she would love to wear on her grad day.

And she just might have the chance because the event allows students from Prince Albert and surrounding areas to watch the show, pick out the dress they want, and buy it for only $25.

Recycling or reusing graduation dresses isn’t something other schools do, according to Wesmor teacher Tricia Lucyshyn, who added this makes it a unique event.

“This event is special to our school because it’s a time to celebrate and start to reflect on the goals that we made at the beginning of the school year,” she said.

For Lucyshyn, the fashion show is almost as busy as “graduation day itself.”

“So much work and preparation goes into it and the … energy in the hallway was so inspiring because the kids are really excited about it, so it’s just so positive,” she said.

Wesmor vice-principal Louise Hall agreed, saying some of the most “beautiful” dresses cost around $500-$600, but they can make grad dreams come true.

“Many of our students are unable to afford extravagant dresses for their grad and, or, you know, some of them may have other commitments with their money,” she said.

“Having a grad dress is a dream for any girl graduating from Grade 12, but this makes it available for them because all these dresses are donated by people in the community and even outside our community of Prince Albert.”

There were anywhere from 12 to 20 dresses showcased in Thursday’s show.

To pick one of those or any other ones Nagy has in stock, you can go to Wesmor Public High School or call Nagy to make an appointment at 306-764-5233. The dresses will be available until June.

Not only does the event benefit the students said Lucyshyn, all the dress proceeds go to the Children’s Haven.

“The Children’s Haven has, you know, supported children for many years in our community so it’s an honour to be able to help them out,” she said.

Lucyshyn wanted to thank Nagy for spending all year branching out to community members, therefore making this event a success. She also thanked Alfie Janvier, who collects dresses in La Loche brings them to Prince Albert to donate them to the fashion show, as well as the event sponsors.

To view a gallery of photos of the fashion show, click here.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter:@KaylaBruch1