The Highline School District serves roughly 19,000 students in Burien, SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines and White Center. Nearly 75% of those students qualify for free or reduced lunch based on their financial circumstances. It’s a situation that can make attending a high school prom a daunting challenge that is out of reach for many.
The non-profit Highline Schools Foundation — which already supports schools in the district — has been hosting Project PROMise for the last six years to help close the gap and give students a chance to enjoy their prom night.
This annual event brings together invited students with volunteer “personal shoppers” who help find the perfect dress from among the over 1,000 designer dresses the Foundation has collected from both individual donors and local businesses. After finding a dress, alterations are made onsite by seamstresses to ensure a personalized fit.
Students can also browse accessories such as jewelry and shoes and receive makeup along with advice and demonstrations on how to best apply it.
“Everyone here is very supportive,” said Highline High School student Yadira Avendano at Saturday’s event. “It was really fun, I felt very welcomed. This is a great community of people!”
Visit the Highline Schools Foundation web site to learn more.
BTB photographer Michael Brunk was at the event and assembled the following gallery of photos. You can click individual thumbnails to view high resolution images.
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