Johnsburg High School students preview trends at fifth annual Prom Fashion Show

JOHNSBURG – Johnsburg High School seniors have worked hard, prepared and finally are ready to take that walk – down the catwalk, that is.

The school’s post prom committee will host its fifth annual Prom Fashion Show, sponsored by Gipper Formal Wear, at 7 p.m. Feb. 25. Meeting two weeks before the show to select styles, committee members and models chose mermaid-cut, long-sleeved and two-piece gowns to feature, as well as many other styles, many with tuxes to match.

Senior Sammi Wiersum may have gotten a sneak peak of what will be on the runway, but she said she still hasn’t said yes to a dress. This will be her second year modeling in the show, and she is hoping to get some ideas from others on the runway.

“I have no idea what I want,” Wiersum said. “I know I want royal blue. I’ve tried on a two-piece, one with long sleeves and one with an open back and some others. I like seeing all of the different styles. If there is a dress style I don’t think I can wear, I might see it on another girl and think ‘oh that looks really good. Maybe I can wear that.’ I’m really hoping to get some good ideas.”

Wiersum said she sees a lot of floral patterns and gem embellishments trending, but she’s keeping her eye out for her own unique look.

Jessalyn Bennett, manager of Gipper Formal Wear in McHenry, which is sponsoring the fashion show, has enjoyed advising the girls as they selected dresses for the event. A 2014 Johnsburg High School graduate, Bennett modeled in the show for two years and knows what teens will be looking for.

“This season, prints are really big,” Bennett said.

“There’s a lot of floral, a lot of polka dots, and the No. 1 color is black. The two-pieces are also one of the biggest trends we’re seeing.

“It really depends on the girl, because really there’s a dress out there for everybody and any body.”Johnsburg resident Tricia Nimrick has two daughters, now in college, who participated in the show in previous years. She continues to volunteer as the post prom committee chairwoman. She said the fashion show is open to everyone, and invitations are being made to students from other schools.

“We really want this to be a community event,” Nimrick said. “It’s McHenry County’s only prom fashion show, and we’d love for other schools to come join us. It’s not just for Johnsburg High School students and parents. A lot of the raffle items are prom-related from local businesses in McHenry County for hair, nails, corsages, etc., so they can be great for anyone.”

Social Sciences teacher Adam Bronars will be master of ceremonies, and intermission entertainment will be featured, as well. Admission is $5, and raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 a ticket or $20 for a wingspan, about 45 tickets. Event volunteer Tina Cheesman, dubbed The Donation Mom, said prizes range from $5 to $200, and the options will be plentiful.

“This is going to be a lot of fun, and the community is very generous,” Cheesman said. “We have some really great stuff to raffle off, from gift certificates for hair and nails to oil changes for your car.”

All proceeds will go to the junior class to plan the 2016 prom and to the post prom committee’s 2016 post prom event at Dave & Busters in Vernon Hills.

“I had so much fun at last year’s post prom, so I’m hoping this one tops it. It will be a new experience,” senior class president Sam Wakitsch said. “It’s one less thing you have to plan for. Knowing that you have a fun place to go after is such a relief. I love that so many people participate, and it keeps everyone out of trouble.”

Wakitsch also will be a model in the show and was lucky enough to snag her dream dress during a fitting before the event. With the hard part out of the way, she said her goal for the evening will be to have fun, strike some cool poses on stage and raise some money.

“The show is really fun. It only features dresses that are available and not already purchased by another person from your school, so you won’t show up in the same dress as someone else,” Wakitsch said. “Last year I won a nail raffle, and it was one less thing I had to pay for. It’s one of my favorite events I do at the school. It’s going to be quite the show.”

Outbox:

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Time: 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm

Admission: $5

Location: Johnsburg High School Auditorium