Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians!
More Top Picks Silent Migraine Symptoms Migraine Without Headache
Oak Lawn Community High School, 9400 Southwest Highway, along with its Parent Teacher Student Association, once again will sponsor its Cinderella’s Closet program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7.
The program, now in its third year, enables high school girls to buy prom dresses, shoes and purses for just $10 per item. Other items, such as for hair and other accessories, jewelry and even makeup, also are for sale.
Maria Vanderwarren, assistant to Principal Michael Riordan; and special-education teacher Kate Mellone have been overseeing the program with the support of the PTSA.
“We really believe in this and it’s a great thing for the kids. They feel better going to the prom and they look as good as they would if they had bought the dress in a bridal shop,” Vanderwarren said.
The program’s popularity is growing each year throughout the community.
“Anyone is welcome to shop at the boutique. It’s open to anyone in high school – even in Chicago,” Vanderwarren said.
Comparing sales from the last two years, Vanderwarren said, “I would probably say we sold at least 50 dresses last year. We were way up from 2013.”
She said she even had students asking her earlier this school year if the program was going to be offered again.
Vanderwarren is obviously very pleased with the program and what it means to the students.
“It’s so nice to see when the girls try on a dress, they’re very excited and you can see it on their face,” Vanderwarren said. “They’re so happy that they can get a dress for so little. Lots of the girls come in with their moms and others come in with their girlfriends and then end up calling their moms to help them decide on a dress.”
Students aren’t the only ones who love the program. Vanderwarren said moms have thanked her for putting it together.
“One mom thanked me and Kate and said her daughter looked just like a princess. They really appreciate the program,” Vanderwarren said.
All of the items sold at the Cinderella’s Closet boutique are donated. Vanderwarren said many of the dresses are new and still have their original sales tag attached or were worn only once or twice.
“The girls also love the makeup and hair stuff,” she said.
Set-up of the boutique starts the day before, and includes Vanderwarren, Mellone, five PTSA members and five students. The same group breaks it all down after the boutique closes, and students earn service hours for their assistance.
If there are unsold items, the nicer ones are saved for the following year and the rest are donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
If you are interested in donating new or slightly used prom dresses, shoes, purses or accessories, jewelry and unopened makeup, they can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays up until March 6 in Room 123 at the high school.
Proceeds from the boutique sales go toward the post-prom party hosted by the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions group.
For more information, contact Vanderwarren at (708) 741-5602.
Here are this week’s celebrity birthdays: Sara and Frank Rybicki wish their son, Gavin, a happy 8th birthday…. Happy 10th birthday to Lorna Suchy from her parents and grandparents. … Sandy and Dave Wills send birthday wishes to their grandchildren Trevor Guagenti and Jessica Smith, who are both turning 12; Brooke Wills, who’s turning 13; and Tyler Guagenti, who’s turning 15. … Grace Chafee’s grandparents wish her a happy 13th birthday. … Happy 14th birthday to Michael Cupicciotti from his parents, brother, Nicholas, and grandparents. … Joshua Wood’s grandparents wish him a happy 15th birthday. … Happy 18th birthday to Lauren Misner and to her sister, Rebecca, who’s turning 22, from their parents, grandmothers, Lois and Jackie, and Uncle Tom. … Happy birthday to John Sasala, who’s turning 22, from his parents and sister, Michelle. … Happy 28th birthday to T.J. Budka from his family. … Happy birthday to Kevin Carlsen, who’s turning 39, from his mom, Dawn, Thelma and Louise. … Birthday wishes go out to Gina Iacoponi from her family and friends. … Sotiri Grimanis sends his love to his wife, Judy, on her birthday. … Birthday wishes go out to Carrie Smith from Jerry and Kristan. … Happy birthday to Arlene “Reenie” Powell from Dave Gajda (“the polka man”) and her friends. … Laurie Belin sends her love to her husband, Bob, on his birthday.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Joe and Lorraine McGuire from their family; and Jim and Terry Simon as they celebrate their 47th anniversary, from their family, Cubbie and friends.
More Top Picks Best Electric Pasta Makers For Home
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special things going on with your family or within the community. Call me at (708) 899-9544. Until next time …
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist.