#Sweet16 dress free#

WTHS Students in Action co-advisors Lindsay Radziak (left) and Eisa Jackson oversaw the club’s October “dress swap. WTHS juniors Leighanna Schweikert and Keira Blaney pose by one of the racks of donated dresses that were made available to their schoolmates during a “dress swap.” “If students have ideas about projects that will help the school, we welcome the opportunity to put those ideas into action, hence the name ‘Students in Action’.”įor more information on the Dress Swap or the TWP Pantry, please contact Eisa Jackson ( or Lindsay Radziak ( Township High School sophomore Nico Henderson pulls a gown from the rack during the Students in Action dress swap. “We are working with a group of about 25 students right now who are part of Students in Action,” Jackson said. It shows how wonderful and warm and fuzzy it really makes you feel when you make a difference.'

“Having that sense of leadership and empowerment, to really include everyone, and seeing that they can make a difference by just getting somebody a dress is really heartwarming. “Having the kids come together and shine and realizing that there is a need, and not just for Homecoming, but even for our pantry, in general, is very rewarding,” Radziak said. People donate them, and we want to put them to good use, for homecoming, prom or even if you have a Sweet 16 or wedding you have to go to, and you need a dress.” We are so excited that the kids are taking advantage of the opportunity. “I had some dresses that had been previously donated to our school pantry,” Jackson said, “but this project brought in dozens more. They are taking the initiative, as Students in Action, and running with it and taking control.” Giving these dresses a second life really makes us happy. “It really allows the students to see how they can be helpful with each other, but also just helping for the greater good. “It was a little uncomfortable at first, but now that I see the students who we are helping, it is more exciting to be able to help and give back.” “I was definitely a little anxious,” said the usually private Schweikert, who stepped out of her comfort zone to host the event.

#Sweet16 dress free#

We also have some free accessories (purses, shoes, jewelry) available for students who are in need. It was very exciting to see the donations come in and how many people wanted to help. We collected the donations from students throughout the building during lunch and at an after-school event, and today students are shopping. Jackson, who loved the idea, and I brought in my friend, Keira, to help out. “I know that some dresses can be expensive, especially if you are getting dresses for homecoming and junior prom,” Schweikert said. They even made a dressing room and provided a mirror for those trying on the dresses. Juniors Leighanna Schweikert and Keira Blaney, who spearheaded the project, staged the room for discretion and privacy, displaying the donations on several large racks and in bins. The dress swap also will be offered on October 10 th and October 11 th. Students were able to select from more than 85 new or gently worn, donated dresses and gowns, in all sizes and colors, giving them an opportunity to outfit themselves, at no cost, for the school’s upcoming Homecoming activities, as well as for proms and other special events. Glitz, glitter and glamour were there for the choosing as Washington Township High School’s Students in Action Club, under the direction of co-advisors and teachers Eisa Jackson and Lindsay Radziak, staged a Homecoming “Dress Swap” in a classroom in the school’s Instructional Media Center on October 6 th.