Morristown High’s Mardi Gras fashion show makes stylish comeback

By Stephanie Crowley

Spring is high school fashion show fundraiser season. And Morristown High’s “Mardi Gras” themed gathering did not disappoint. Thursday’s in-person fundraiser at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany brimmed with the extra excitement of a return to “normalcy” from the pandemic.

Each year, a group of dedicated parents meet for months to plan and organize an event complete with a dinner, door prizes, approximately 100 beautifully wrapped “tricky tray” gift baskets, 50/50 raffle tickets solicited by brave dads in tuxedos, silent auction items, and, of course, lots of students modeling the latest fashions

This fundraiser covers costs for the graduating class to attend Project Graduation, an all-night party held immediately after commencement ceremonies at Mennen Arena. This year will mark the 34th Project Graduation party.

It’s a safe, alcohol- and drug-free farewell celebration full of fun activities from 10 pm to 3 am, culminating with breakfast as a hypnotist entertains the crowd.  Seniors mingle all night long with new and old friends before parting ways for the next chapter in their lives.

At least 300 of the 461 seniors in Morristown High’s Class of ’22 will attend Project Graduation.  The price of participation is approximately $120 per student. But contributions from local businesses and individuals and proceeds from the annual fashion show keeps the price just $10 per attendee.

Money is raised through ticket sales for the fashion show/dinner; basket raffle prizes donated by local businesses, parents and corporate sponsors; the 50/50 drawing, ads in the fashion show program, and direct donations from families and friends of Morristown High.

Jordan Robinson and Rodney Lee stole the show as co-emcees.  This year’s 50/50 raffle raised $1,700, netting $850 for the winner.

Ayana Summerville and JoAnn VanSciver led a large volunteer group of parents as chairpersons.  The fashion committee of Nancy Kakalac and Sheryl McNichol supervised the models and fashions displayed on the runway.  Consuela Gonzalez and her volunteer team created charming displays of tricky tray baskets for the raffle.

“We were thrilled to be able to bring the fashion show back on a larger scale than last year.  The models were fantastic–-such a great group of kids!  I’m honored to have been a part of making it happen,” said VanSciver.

The student models were treated to hair and makeup by 18 cosmetology students from Morris County Vo-Tech. The female models wore their own prom dresses for a second time, and flaunted casual fashions from Willow St. Boutique and Paradise (both of Morristown), Snooki Shop (Madison) and Dorl’dor (Summit).

The male models strutted formal wear from Cozy (Morristown), a show supporter for many years.

Photos at bottom of story.

Thursday’s models included:

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