Roosevelt Seniors ‘Say Yes’ to Prom
La James International College in Johnston was full of beautiful girls this month, and they all hung on the words of one man — Monte Durham from “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
“They’re young and excitable,” Durham said. “How can you go wrong with that? Just say ‘Hi’ to them and they giggle. It’s been a good day.”
The thirty young women were chosen from the senior class at Roosevelt High School. They spent the day at the College choosing prom dresses from among racks of 500. Salon students at La James competed for the chance to style their hair and makeup. Monte personally selected their accessories.
“He gave me advice on how to wear my hair, and I listened, because he probably knows better than I do,” Zoe Zard said. “I’m kind of nervous about walking in heels, though. I’m a tennis shoe kind of girl!”
The program director wouldn’t reveal much about how the girls were selected, just that they were academically deserving. At the end of the day, the girls, dolled up and ready for prom, took a walk down the catwalk and received a rose from Durham.
Durham said the dresses were donated and reflect current prom fashions.
“Prom is color this year,” Durham said. “Short is also very well accepted, strapless is still number one and lots of bling. Despite the color, the style is a little more fluid, softer and feminine.”
Organizers of the event, including Mediacom, said the day was about giving young women confidence. The boost in esteem showed as Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ahart surprised them with a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Part of it read, ”Remember that as long as you follow your heart, as long as you pick yourself up when you stumble, and as long as you give everything you have to everything you do, you can and will make your mark on this world.”
The girls were able to keep their prom dresses and accessories. The only string was a wish that they would go on to do something good for someone else.
The special, “Say Yes to the Prom” will air soon on Mediacom.
View photos of event here
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
