Seniors and parents anxiously crowded the hallways of Francis Lewis High School as they waited for the cafeteria doors to open. This time it was not to rush to class before the bell rang or to attend parent/teacher conferences, but for the school’s first ever Prom Expo.
A night of fashion, makeup, limos and sales was brought about with lights covering the school columns, stars hanging from the ceiling and rose pedals decorating the runway. The student organization, who had taken months to plan the Saturday, March 5 event, could not have been more thrilled as they stood with programs and snacks near the entrance.
With the goal of helping students reach out to local vendors and create a budget for prom expenses, many students went out of their way to invite stores that would follow through with the event.
“The point of this event was to bring local businesses together and have them offer great prices to the students for prom,” said Ana Maria Piltawer, the senior class adviser. “We hope to keep this event moving and have it get better and better every year.”
Students and parents entered the cafeteria and crowded at the expo tables. Business owners offered catalogs, prices, discounts and giveaways for attending the event.
“I would definitely participate in this event again next year because I love to be around young people, and I love to see the new trends and what they like now in the world of fashion and makeup,” said makeup artist Jill Harth from Jill Harth Beauty Enterprises. “It inspires me and keeps me fresh!”
The attendees also had the opportunity to check out the limos, which they arrive in front of the school. Photos were taken by a professional photographer as seniors posed in the limos and turned on the music in the party buses.
“Wow, the limos were amazing! I cannot wait till prom!” said student Ashley Schwartz.
Many seniors interacted with friends, family and teachers as they enjoyed their last few months before entering college. What added to the expo’s success was not only the great turnout by the invited stores but the welcoming and friendly atmosphere the students received.
“It was an amazing night. My mother and I were able to get makeup samples, get in all types of limos and watch a great fashion show,” said student Ana Marija Djordjevic. “It really gave me an idea of what prom would cost me and where I could go to buy my dress.”
A part of the expo was the fashion club, which rocked the runway. Having prepared all week for this event and creating a routine, the student models were now ready to get their hair and makeup done. The Tuxedo Shop of New York, B&P Bridals and Tuxedos, The Pink Bridal Shop and Carina Boutique participated in the fashion show and provided the runway models with over eighteen stunning dresses and ten tuxedos.
While the students shopped for prom, the runway models lined up and waited for the show to begin. For approximately 30 minutes, the students watched as the music got louder and the girls modeled dresses in a wide range of colors and styles. Party Favor’s Tiffany provided the corsages and boutonnieres for all the models and hosts of the night.
“Getting ready for this show was a great experience for our club,” said Nida Moe the president of the fashion club. “The girls looked very beautiful and the guys phenomenal!”
At the end of such a remarkable night, the students were not the only ones having a great time, teachers, parents, staff and vendors were dancing each song and cheering for friend as they modeled down the runway.
“No words can explain Prom Expo. It was a night of happiness as I watched many of my students get ready to graduate and succeed in life,” said Natividad Prowell, a foreign language teacher and Coordinator of Student Activities at Francis Lewis. “This event will hopefully continue on and bring our seniors closer together as they plan their prom.”
