Central seniors were stylin’

See more photos from the fashion show here.

With prom less than a month away, two dozen seniors from Valley Stream Central High School hit the runway last Thursday night to show off the latest fashions.

The Central/Memorial PTSA hosted its annual spring fashion show at the Coral House in Baldwin, raising money for scholarships. Eight guys and 16 girls modeled tuxedos and dresses to loud applause from the more than 100 parents, teachers, administrators and community members in attendance.

“I thought it was so much fun,” said senior Jamie Loesel. “I love performing in front of crowds.”

The guys wore tuxedos provided by Di Re Formal Wear of Franklin Square while the ladies attire was provided by Estelle’s Dressey Dresses of Farmingdale. Six girls also modeled new dresses from Lord and Taylor’s collection.

Loesel said she really liked her dress. “I was gorgeous,” she said. “If I didn’t have a dress, I would have bought it.”

The event was organized by PTSA leader Annette Gray for the fifth straight year. “This year went smooth,” she said. “It was one of my best ones.”

Gray credited the success to a small but dedicated group of parent volunteers, but also to the student models. She said she almost cried when she saw how beautiful the girls looked in their dresses.

Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio said the fashion show is an event he looks forward to every year. “I was overwhelmed by the appearance of our students,” he said. “They did show the pride of Central as they strutted their stuff down the runway.”

Pompilio noted that several teachers came out to support the students, and he credited the PTSA leaders for organizing the event. He said despite all the anxiety and concern leading up the fashion show, “it always comes out absolutely right.”

Senior Vincent DePergola was one of the male models and said he signed up to try something new. “I thought that it was a pretty fun experience for my senior year,” he said.

Money raised from the fashion show will go toward scholarships for graduating seniors. Gray said that she expects to present 15 $500 checks at Central’s senior awards night in June.