By Bailey McGuinn
A little snow could not stop 34 Morristown High School seniors from rocking the runway at Project Graduation’s fundraising fashion show last Thursday.
The Cape May theme at Whippany’s Birchwood Manor ushered in feelings of the Jersey shore, with saltwater taffy, seashells and sand decorating the tables, each labeled with its own beach town.
“A lot of people have always confused this as being Project Graduation, but that’s the all-night party that we throw on graduation night,” explained fifth-year chairperson Tracey Ulrich-Matalon.
“This is the 30th year that we’re doing that, so it’s a big year for us! This whole thing has really grown. When I came on board there were a few dozen members but now we have about 152 parents involved!
“There are about 15 different subcommittees, so everyone has a job, which really helps the work come together,” Ulrich-Matalon said.
Project Graduation follows the Morristown High graduation ceremony at Mennen Arena in June. The 9 pm-to-4 am event, hosted this year at the Crowne PLaza Hotel in Fairfield, is safe, alcohol- and drug-free.
Slideshow photos by Katelyn Nagy:
The $120 fee is reduced to $10 for students, thanks to contributions and fundraisers such as the fashion show. More than 300 graduates have attended each one over the past several years. The night features a DJ, karaoke, a henna tattoo artist, and even a hypnotist.
“The best part about being involved in this is definitely doing it for the kids,” said Ulrich-Matalon.
“I think it’s great that they have a safe alternative on graduation night, a way to stay together and see each other one last time as a graduating class! A lot of kids are moving on to college or moving away to jobs or to be in the military, and I just love that we can play a part in them having their last hurrah together.”
The Birchwood Manor evening also featured the basket raffle, a fan-favorite with more than 105 baskets donated by local businesses, parents, and sponsors. Baskets ranged from a Louis Vuitton pocketbook to Knicks and Yankees Tickets, to a coveted pair of Hamilton tickets.
Nearly three dozen seniors added modeling to their resumes, strutting their stuff in front of nearly 500 family members, friends, and students.
“Usually I’m backstage as the Stage Manager for MHS theatre productions, so it’s really different being the one performing,” reflected model Claire Fennelly. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I was a freshman! I think it’s a really unique experience.”
The show’s lively emcees were Alejandra Formosa and Angel Cora, popular teachers at the high school.
For formal wear, the girls wore beautiful gowns from the i do..i do bridal boutique, and guys wore suits from Cozy Formal Wear. Accessories were provided by Operation Bling.
For casual wear, the girls modeled outfits from Boutique 161 and Paradise, while the guys rocked ensembles from Jos. A Bank Clothiers and Saks Fifth Avenue.
“Our goal is really to have the girls go out there and feel confident and beautiful, like their personalities are really shining through,” said Connie Hagelin, mother of an ‘02 MHS graduate and owner of Boutique 161, which has been working with Project Graduation for five years.
“They come in and try on outfits we’ve pulled to follow current trends and the year’s theme, but I tell them to pick what makes them feel wonderful. When they walk out, they’re sassy and they’re having fun, and that’s really what clothing should do!”
All hands were on deck from several MHS theatre students as well, helping with various aspects of the show.
Grace Keene and Ashe Gobin worked the spotlights, while Vienna Volinsky and Tanya Andino filmed the event. Andino and model Christina Cannilla even stepped in, doing last-minute alterations on dresses to ensure a safe and trip-free catwalk.
Model and Mr. Morristown competitor Joe Caputo figured he was an unlikely candidate for the show, but was thrilled to be part of it.
“I know for a fact that when my mom joined the board, she never thought in 200 years, ‘My son? Modeling in a fashion show?! No way!’ But when she got the email about it, I immediately told her to sign me up.”
“My first three years of high school, I was always the guy who made music or did sound, made stuff work for performances behind the scenes, but I was never the guy on stage,” explained Caputo.
“That changed a couple of months ago when I was in Mr. Morristown. It was crazy and so fun to let loose and perform like that, just like it is tonight,” he said.
And let loose they did, to raise money for a final night of camaraderie after the Class of 2018’s graduation ceremony.
Bailey McGuinn is a member of the Morristown High School Class of 2018.
