Last updated on October 9, 2019
Students from the Dallas Independent School District said yes to the prom this week, thanks in part to Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta’s Monte Durham, TLC and Discovery Communications.
Fifty students from Justin F. Kimball High School and H. Grady Spruce High School were selected to participate in a day of mentoring with AT&T employees, and were able to choose their own prom dresses and tuxedos. Additionally, students received professionally styled hair and makeup from companies like the Paul Mitchell School in Dallas and Dinair Airbrush Makeup.
After choosing their prom attire, students participated in a runway walk/fashion show to display their trendy and styled new looks, with Durham cheering them on throughout the course of the show. Students also received a special video address from First Lady Michelle Obama, encouraging them to maintain a sense of confidence and pride as they pursue and achieve their life goals.
Students were encouraged to apply for the Rising Star scholarship through DCCCD, which offers qualified students with established financial need up to $4,000 for tuition and books. Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director for the DCCCD Foundation Pyeper Wilkins encouraged students to explore their options at DCCCD no matter their goals, mentioning the wide variety of programs available, the significantly increased lifetime earning potential of individuals with an associate degree or higher and the 14,500 students that have benefited from Rising Star to date.
The event ended with closing remarks from Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who echoed Wilkins’ sentiments about the impact Say Yes to the Prom and the Rising Star program has on Dallas students.
Check out the gallery below for photos!
Need help paying for college? Check out the DCCCD Foundation’s website for more scholarship resources.