Model students: seniors prepare for Prom Fashion Show

A night of fashion and fun awaits West Hempstead High School’s senior class as its annual Prom Fashion Show is right around the corner.

The event, sponsored by the PTSA, is set to take place on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Senior class student models will take the stage to show off their attire with the ultimate goal of reducing the ticket cost for their senior prom.

According to PTSA co-presidents Hilda Manuella and Josephine DiMarco, the event has been taking place for at least six years, and this year, event co-chairs Toni Anne Centrella and Theresa Gitter have been working hard to make it a success. Senior class advisor Gina Nappi, a high school social studies teacher, has also been working closely with the PTSA.

The Fashion Show consists of 58 senior class students (30 girls and 28 boys) who have volunteered to model various fashions, as well as 15 hosts and hostesses to assist with guest seating, tickets and raffles. The models are set to show off fashions graciously donated for that night by Ray’s Tuxedos in Franklin Square and Estelle’s Dressy Dresses in Farmingdale.  The donation of the attire will “highlight the style of prom wear for the 2011 prom,” according to Centrella.

In addition to the clothing contributions, Hair Company, located in Franklin Square, has offered to provide models with hairstyling services and Country Art in Flowers in West Hempstead is donating flowers for the event.

Aside from the sale of tickets for the fashion show itself, the senior class will raise money by holding raffles throughout the event. Raffles for the seniors are set to include prizes such as prom tickets and free tuxedo rentals, while various other prizes, such as themed gift baskets, will be raffled off to attendees.

While the co-chairs, PTSA and a committee of volunteer parents have all been working hard to make plan and organize the event, the seniors have been hard at work themselves trying to raise money. They have participated in a number of fundraisers, selling bracelets, holding bake sales and selling candles.

Tickets for this event are still available to those interested in attending. Each ticket is priced at $5 and will be available at the door the night of the event, or by contacting Hilda Manuella at 516-486-7430.