Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Three determined Oceanside High School seniors are on a mission to ensure that prom—a night to celebrate milestones and create memories before embarking on life’s next chapter for many high school students—is accessible event for all, regardless of financial circumstances.
Through the initiative, “Project Prom,” students Ava Stutz, Arianna Soshkin, and Isabella Santamarina have set out to collect prom dresses and accessories for underprivileged teens in the surrounding communities.
The inspiration for “Project Prom” came after Stutz’s mother saw a news story about a similar drive. Recognizing the financial burden that prom places on families—ranging from tickets and limousines to the ever-important dress—the girls decided to act.
“I feel like, we’re surrounded by areas that have places that may be under the poverty line and we thought it was a good idea to consider our geographics,” Soshkin said.
The initiative is part of a DECA community giving project, which challenges students to create meaningful, service-oriented endeavors. For the trio, “Project Prom” was the opportunity to blend their passion for service with a chance to compete in DECA’s state-level events in March.
The students began by setting the goal of collecting at least 100 dresses. They organized drop-off locations at the Oceanside Library and the Rockville Centre Recreation Center throughout November, where they welcomed donations of dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories.
“I wasn’t expecting for us to raise that many dresses and we’ve almost reached 100,” Soshkin said. “The majority of the dresses that we were able to raise were, for plus size people and I feel like our society isn’t always so inclusive, so I feel like it’s helping larger girls.”
To keep everything organized, they used Google Forms to track each donation. The team also promoted their drive through various channels, including an Instagram page, a video shared by the Oceanside Library, and posts in local Facebook groups. Ava’s mother, a teacher in Rockville Centre, used her network to spread the word even further.
“I feel like this is a really unique project,” Stutz said. “I feel like I’m going to be most proud about helping out the girls and seeing the smile on their faces.”
The centerpiece of “Project Prom” will take place on Dec. 14, when teens will be invited to select dresses and accessories from a curated collection at 2504 Grand Avenue in Baldwin. The venue will offer ample room for browsing and trying on dresses for the day. To ensure the event reaches those who need it most, the students are reaching out to schools and community organizations in nearby towns.
“We’re working with coordinators and board members from schools in Baldwin and Freeport to spread the word and invite students who might benefit,” Ava added.
The students are also documenting their journey as part of their DECA project compiling a 20-page paper, complete with promotional materials, QR codes for their online platforms, and photos of the donation drive.
This paper will serve as the foundation for their presentation at the DECA State Career Conference in Rochester next March.
They’re great students and leaders,” said DECA coordinator Michael Lowry. “That’s why they’re doing such great things and involved in the community and giving everyone a chance to take part in prom.”
As they prepare for the December 14 event, the students are hopeful that their efforts will have a lasting impact. For these girls, “Project Prom” is about much more than collecting dresses; it’s about fostering a sense of community and empathy.
“I think this is something really good that we’re doing for the community, and just knowing that I was able to help someone who before this had to miss out because of their financial situation, I feel better knowing I could help someone,” Santamarina said.
Donations are still being accepted until Dec. 7. Community members can drop off dresses, shoes, bags, and accessories at designated locations, including the Oceanside Library and the Rockville Centre Recreation Center.
