The annual Portage High School Prom Fashion Show, hosted by the Health Occupations Students of America of Thursday night, was more than just a normal fashion show. For HOSA it is more than just a fundraiser because they always donate the proceeds to a charity. This year, HOSA donated their profits the Gabriel’s’ Horn, a short-term shelter for homeless women and children.
“Last year we donated to Riley’s Children’s Hospital and they were really grateful, so we wanted to still donate to a place that needed help so we chose Gabriel’s Horn,” HOSA sponsor Lynn Wilson said.
The female models participating in the show presented dresses from Pink Boutique in Hobart and Paris House of Bridal & Fashion in Michigan City.
“I got my dress from Pink Boutique and it was honestly the perfect dress,” junior model Haley Crnarich said. “It was different from everyone else’s since mine was sequins instead of glitter.”
The male models that were in the show wore tuxedos from Dunhill Tuxedos and Louie’s Tux Shop.
“My tux was honestly perfect,” senior model Noah Volk said. “It fit so nicely and gave me a swimmers body. The bronze vest really different, but I loved it.”
Overall, there were 44 dresses and 14 tuxedos showcased. Everyone who participated in the show is eligible for a discount from all four of the shops.
“I was nervous before the show, but after I stepped out on the stage it went away,” senior model Taylor Mlynski said. “It ended up being so much fun. I love modeling and dressing up.”
This year’s announcers were seniors from PHS Brooklynn Sellers, Richard Gomez, and senior from Valparaiso High School Precious Conrad.
“I was very excited to announce it because I have never been asked to do something like this. When I was asked by Ms. Wilson I felt honored,” Sellers said. “It was a great opportunity because it helped me practice for my future career.”
Sellers, Gomez, and Conrad were joined with DJ Segal who played music for each group of models. Along with the show, there were also other fundraisers going on throughout the night including 50/50 raffles, pizza sales, photo booths, and vendors.