Dreams Do Come True

Prom-Queen

On April 12, 2012 in Uncategorized, by jason

Doesn’t every girl want to feel like a princess on their prom night? Thanks to the efforts of Katy Roark, Communities in Schools and The Lubbock Dream Center, more than 100 young ladies received a beautiful dress at the “Prom Queen” event that was held April 2, at the Lubbock Dream Center.

Katy had a dream that every girl would have the opportunity to feel like a “Queen” on the night of her prom. With help and encouragement from friends and family she put together a night that will not soon be forgotten. “Katy’s heart was always that the girl’s attending would experience a first class, top-notch, night that they would feel special,” says Katy’s Mom, April Roark.

In the struggling economy, more and more girls are finding the expensive investment in one night of fun, despite its adolescent importance, too costly to afford. “I saw a need for girls to get assistance for prom and knew I could help with that. I love prom and want other girls to feel confident and love it too; I also saw a real need in self-esteem for girls my age and I desperately wanted to show them how beautiful they truly are,” said Katy, a student of Lubbock Christian High School.

Communities in Schools provided the guest list. Each campus coordinator was informed about “Prom Queen” opportunities and referred those that were truly in need. Young ladies came from Lubbock as well as several outlying communities including Plainview, Muleshoe, Hale County and Wilson. According to some reports, the average prom night can cost between $175 and $2,100 when you total up the event ticket, dress, accessories, limousine rental, photos, and after party activities. This is certainly a cost many families cannot afford.The evening began with snacks and time to discover helpful make-up tips, hair ideas, hints on how to pick the right dress for your body type and time to visit. The next step was a fashion show that featured dresses that would be available to the young ladies attending. Models for the fashion show were also students at Lubbock Christian High School…students helping other students.

The theme for the night was not only prom, but also self-worth. The fashion show included a survey of young men titled, “What he is thinking.” Each young man was asked what they thought of girls that dressed modestly vs. those that did not. The message was clear. Young ladies that dress modestly respect themselves, thus demanding respect from their male peers. As tears flowed, one grandmother quietly whispered a prayer, “God, please open the ears of my girls to hear this message.”The night ended with time to shop! Each girl in attendance was given a “personal shopper” to help her pick the perfect dress, as well as accessories for the memorable event. There were more than 450 dresses of all styles, sizes and colors to choose from. All the dresses, accessories, food and fun were given away without charge. Dresses were donated by many individuals, The Bridge of Lubbock, Dillard’s and Bella’s. The food was provided by Spice of Life, Chick-Fil-A and United.

According to Brittani Brownlee, Plainview Community in Schools Campus Coordinator, the girls had fun and expressed sincere gratitude for the experience. Most of all they did feel special. “That was the most fun I have had all year,” was the comment that echoed throughout the ride home.

Prom is a special event in every girl’s life…it is a highlight in High School memories. The “Prom Queen” event was a night before the prom that will forever be etched in the hearts of those that attended. It was a night that spoke loud for those giving and receiving. Prom dreams do come true!