Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Wesmor students walk the runway

Mar 28, 2018 | 5:00 PM

A group of students in Prince Albert walked the runway Wednesday as part of the annual fashion show at Wesmor Community High School.

The school held their annual fashion show, showing off an array of fancy gowns, and some men’s pieces as well. Eight years after it first started, the “Wesmor Walks the Walk” event continues to be a popular event.

The fashion show is part of a larger program at Wesmor that provides affordable formal wear for students graduating high school in June. The dresses are sold at a reduced cost to students at the school, and students from around the city and surrounding areas.

Nine high school students modelled in the show Wednesday. Jennifer Brown, who teaches at the school and helped organize the event, said this year was the first time male students got dressed up to walk the runway as well. Suits and other formal pieces, such as vests, shirts and pants, are sold at reduced prices.

“We have a lot of young men, and they just weren’t coming to the grad ceremony because they didn’t have a suit,” Brown added. “It was a real deterrent for them … so we do offer some complete suits but for the most part, what we get donated is pieces, so we try to find the best fit for the gentlemen who come in.”

Kayla Walker, 17, participated in the show for the first time Wednesday.

“I think it was a good experience, to get the opportunity to learn,” she said.

Brendl Daniels, 18, also took part and said he was nervous, but excited about the opportunity. 

“They had so many beautiful dresses and I wanted to be part of it to show off the suits,” he said.

Brown said students try out for the chance to model in the fashion show each year, and are expected to continue attending school and keep their grades up. The fashion models had their hair done at no charge and got first pick of all the outfits being modelled. Planning for the event started in October, she said.

“It is a quite a privilege,” Brown told paNOW.

“It does teach personal responsibility and it teaches them to give back to other girls who come in from the community to get dresses.”

The school’s Life Skills program baked and sold cupcakes to help fundraise for the show. Money from the sale of cupcakes went to pay for additional items including nylons and dress shows for the models.

 

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt