The excitement and anticipation of prom is sweeping through the halls of Windham High School. At the heart of this enthusiasm is the annual Prom Attire Drive created by the WHS Student Council.
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| The WHS Student Council is conducting its third annual Prom Attire Drive and asking the community for help. Donations needed include dresses, suits, dress shirts, ties, dress shoes, and jewelry. From left are student council members Finn GaNung, Sawyer Grendell, Kate Lopes, Molly Plati, Riley Yates, and Kirsten Mains. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
The success of this initiative hinges on the generosity of the Raymond and Windham communities, who, through their support and donations, make a significant impact in creating lasting memories for the students. Community members can bring donations to the WHS main office at 406 Gray Road in Windham, during school hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This annual donation event began in 2021 as an effort to return to normal high school activities after the pandemic.
“We wanted to find a way to bring the student body together, returning to some sense of normality,” said Molly Plati, a WHS junior and a Student Council representative who helped to start the initiative when she was a freshman. “However, we quickly realized that purchasing prom attire, such as dresses or suits, can be expensive and stressful for some people. Our goal as a student body was to make this process a fun and inviting experience for all. Our goal was to make every student feel that they could attend their Junior or Senior prom feeling confident and excited.”
Vanessa Michaud, WHS Assistant Principal and Student Council Co-Advisor, said that prom clothing, shoes, and accessories have increased in cost over the years and the donations from the community will help to eliminate possible barriers to student participation.
“The donated prom dresses and suits will provide all students at WHS an equitable opportunity to attend the prom,” she said.
Plati agrees with Michaud, saying that the most essential part of the prom drive is that it allows every student to feel included.
“It eliminates the stress of finding an outfit and makes prom a positive experience,” she said. “We want to enable every student to feel like a superstar on prom night.”
Many students in the past have benefited from the prom drive initiative. While it is true that financial obstacles pose challenges for some students, it's essential to recognize that this isn't always the case and Plati shared one story as an example.
“One of my friends ordered a prom dress, and it came in about two weeks before prom,” Plati said. “She quickly figured out it didn't fit and hated how it looked. She was devastated. She went to about every store in southern Maine and could not find a dress that suited her. She looked to the WHS prom drive and found her perfect dress in a matter of 20 minutes.”
Michaud said students have recognized that this initiative bolsters community spirit and provides a sense of unity among the student population.
“This prom drive culminates into an evening that transcends individual experiences,” Michaud said. “It becomes a collective gathering, where every student can come together, celebrate a fun high school experience, and revel in a special night of dancing and laughter that unites them.”
Plati said the WHS Student Council appreciates any support from the community and hopes to continue this fun tradition of glamour, creating a night of magic accessible for all students in the years to come.
Clean, gently used, or new prom dresses or suits in all sizes are all acceptable donations. Michaud said that all donated items will be checked by the Student Council students to ensure that they meet the quality and style standards determined by the council.
Donations will be accepted through May 3. <
Vanessa Michaud, WHS Assistant Principal and Student Council Co-Advisor, said that prom clothing, shoes, and accessories have increased in cost over the years and the donations from the community will help to eliminate possible barriers to student participation.
“The donated prom dresses and suits will provide all students at WHS an equitable opportunity to attend the prom,” she said.
Plati agrees with Michaud, saying that the most essential part of the prom drive is that it allows every student to feel included.
“It eliminates the stress of finding an outfit and makes prom a positive experience,” she said. “We want to enable every student to feel like a superstar on prom night.”
Many students in the past have benefited from the prom drive initiative. While it is true that financial obstacles pose challenges for some students, it's essential to recognize that this isn't always the case and Plati shared one story as an example.
“One of my friends ordered a prom dress, and it came in about two weeks before prom,” Plati said. “She quickly figured out it didn't fit and hated how it looked. She was devastated. She went to about every store in southern Maine and could not find a dress that suited her. She looked to the WHS prom drive and found her perfect dress in a matter of 20 minutes.”
Michaud said students have recognized that this initiative bolsters community spirit and provides a sense of unity among the student population.
“This prom drive culminates into an evening that transcends individual experiences,” Michaud said. “It becomes a collective gathering, where every student can come together, celebrate a fun high school experience, and revel in a special night of dancing and laughter that unites them.”
Plati said the WHS Student Council appreciates any support from the community and hopes to continue this fun tradition of glamour, creating a night of magic accessible for all students in the years to come.
Clean, gently used, or new prom dresses or suits in all sizes are all acceptable donations. Michaud said that all donated items will be checked by the Student Council students to ensure that they meet the quality and style standards determined by the council.
Donations will be accepted through May 3. <
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