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Photo by Ashlyn Dillard.
Student Feature: Glass Slipper Prom Project
FHS student author Hannah Davis is a reporter for Register.
With a final application of make-up, girls smile as they look at their reflection in the mirror.
Not only is make-up available, but so are a variety of formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, and perfume at the Glass Slipper Prom Project (GSPP).
"The Glass Slipper room started about seven years ago by previous FHS counselor Leigh Hudson in the counseling office where dresses were stored in a closet," said Marian Riner, co-director of GSPP. "She started the project after she became aware that some students would not be able to attend prom because of financial reasons."
Junior and senior girls who meet certain criteria as determined by project directors are invited to shop at the Glass Slipper Boutique located at ALLPS. The GSPP committee also accepts referrals from a student's teacher, counselor or social worker. Everything is kept confidential.
The Glass Slipper Boutique houses donated dresses from a variety of sources, including Pan-Hellenic groups at the University of Arkansas, civic organizations, private donors, and friends. "We do occasionally have to purchase a dress if we do not have a size needed in the boutique," Riner said.
"We have a Facebook page (where) we send out requests for donations (both from retailers and private donors)."
Female students receive a specific appointment time for their boutique shopping day upon receiving a GSPP invitation from directors. Before the student arrives for her shopping day, she is assigned a personal shopper, a volunteer who is 24 or older, to assist her with the selection of her dress, jewelry and shoes at the boutique.
"Shoppers will be expected to exhibit a respectful attitude toward those assisting them, respect other shoppers' privacy, and be gracious and thankful for their time at GSPP," said co-director and communications coordinator Shay Hopper. "All property of GSPP will be treated with respect and not damaged… so that the project may continue to serve for many years."
Once the student has everything picked out and the items have been cleaned or altered as necessary, she can take everything home. The student is responsible for the care of these items while they are in her possession. Damaged items will not be replaced by the project. Juniors are required to return everything after prom in a timely manner, while seniors get to keep everything, if they choose.
Sparkle Saturday is the final part of the GSPP. All Sparkle clients arrive at the boutique for a day full of special treatment. Each client has an appointment with volunteer make-up artists and hair stylists to provide the final touches for prom.
Donations and volunteers help make this project survive, Riner said. Almost everything is donated, and every adult involved with GSPP is a volunteer.
"This year, we would like to encourage all FHS girls (who) would like to donate a dress to the Glass Slipper room to contact anyone involved with the project," Riner said.
Future goals for the GSPP include etiquette classes and serving boys' prom needs.