Dozens of high school students from across the region will be wearing beautiful dresses to their proms this spring thanks to the efforts of Global Fashion Studies students at Capital Region BOCES.

During the annual Cinderella Prom Dress events at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus on March 31 and April 1, the teens chose from more than 200 new and used gowns, which were sold to students for $5 each, and, in some cases, given away for free.   

“It’s all very comforting, I go into stores, and it’s a lot of work, a lot of stress. But here, I was with all my friends, and it was fun,” said Elena Hymes, a Criminal Justice senior from Shaker High School who found a dress.

Senior Jelianys Dejesus also had a good time finding a dress.

“It’s a great experience to be able to come and get the opportunity to get a great dress, for cheap,” the Shenendehowa Cosmetology senior said.

Organized by students in the Global Fashion Studies program, the sale was open to the 1,500 students who attend the Career and Technical Education Center, as well as students in the BOCES Special Education program.

High school juniors and seniors in the Fashion program spent hours ironing, steaming and, in a few cases, making minor repairs to gently used dresses to make them ready. They then assisted the students in picking out “just the right” dress.

“It feels great to help people and be courteous and kind,” said Jonathan Palma, a Global Fashion senior from Schenectady.

Teacher Karen “Kema” Maxwell said that in addition to the prom dresses, a handful of suits and jackets were also provided to students.

“We pride ourselves by offering the same experience the students would have in a store, but here in a classroom that is a comfortable, safe space,” she said.

Proceeds of the sale are being used to fund a charity on campus.