BHS Project Prom looks beautiful . . . again

For the second year in a row, Baldwin High School collected more than 100 dresses for a student prom boutique spearheaded by teacher Adeline Scibelli and other staff volunteers. Baldwin’s Bridal World once again donated a dozen new dresses, and the Freeport Thrift Shop helped out with garment racks that made prom dress shopping a fun experience. Stylon Cleaners on Merrick Road also stepped up to help clean the donations, which arrived from as far away as Chicago.

There were three distribution dates during April and May, with the first distribution based on need. (Students severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy were among those given priority.) The other two dates were open to any high school students looking for a special dresses for proms, sweet 16s, graduation, Quinceañeras or other celebratory events.

All distributions were held after school on the auditorium stage, which volunteers set up to resemble a boutique. The dresses were organized on the racks by size and style, and the theater’s practice rooms were converted into temporary changing facilities. Dresses that were not claimed will be donated to similar programs on Long Island or will be saved for next year.

Scibelli, who originated the program, expressed her thanks to many who helped out with the dress donations: Peggy Currnutt, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Jill Grover, Jess Miller, Lia Sakelos, Meghan Schlosser, Nia Thompson and Gail Tranoy were all singled out for their contributions. “This program would not have been so successful if it weren’t for the help and support of my colleagues!” Scibelli said. “It really was a community-wide event, including merchants, guidance counselors, social workers, teachers and custodians.”