When it comes to higher school, graduation is generally among the most anticipated events. It’s the final hurrah for colleagues to come along after years of hard work. On the flip side, it is likely the most expensive function in which the majority of students may take part.
Monetarily speaking, this can be a big raise. There are the cards for the great concert, as well as transportation expenses and after-parties to bear. The clothing, however, may be among the biggest hits. Many young girls want to wear a beautiful gown, and men frequently rent tuxedos or suits. According to Estelle’s Dressy Dresses in Farmingdale the average prom dress runs from$ 300 to$ 500, this not including accessories such as jewelry, handbags and shoes. For full ensembles, the price includes a$ 199 plus fee for shoes and a$ 30 fee for Merrick suit and waistcoats at Esquire Tuxedos.
Jordan Cerna, 17, of South Huntington, and her stepson, Alexander, 15, show off their chosen dress during a Project Prom celebration at the John J. Flanagan Center in Huntington April 4. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
But these ’s the good news. There are numerous Long Island companies that have offered their services. There are bubbly mountains of fresh and once-worn clothes available for free, and prom dress and match selections have been in the works for months. Often, there are even jewelry and beauty being offered. And more and more often, guys can get into the work as there’s been an improved focus on fashion with the accessibility of completely tuxedos, suits, shirts and shoes.
One of these homecoming giveaways most recently took place at the John J. Flanagan Center in Huntington. Dubbed Project Prom and sponsored by Huntington Town Council people, the event was geared to creating a boutique-like atmosphere with a red carpet, photo booth and beverages along with plenty of clothes, coat jackets and equipment.
Jordan Cerna, 17, of South Huntington, shows off her clothes during Project Prom at the John J. April 4 at the Huntington Falanagan Center Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
“The value is a big issue, ” Ingrid Menor-Olguin, 18, a freshman at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, says of why she found the event a great help.
Tickets for her homecoming are$ 120 a man, she says. There’s even Ubers or party trucks to add to the charge, and beauty and hair — she’s planning to have little stones put into hers, she says. She believes she would have had to spend at least$ 200 on the purple spaghetti strap dress she chose if she had purchased it online.
Isabella Falcone and Aedan Cotter were pictured by Kathleen Wede on April 5 on the patio of the Manhasset Yacht Club. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Kevin Membreño, 17, a freshman at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station, found himself torn between a traditional black coat coat and a snappy orange plaid one. “ Here’s what we’re gonna do, ” says Ronald Worrell, a Huntington employee who helped boys choose their suits. “You’re taking both of them. ” Membreño promises to allow Worrell know which single he ends up wearing.
There are many more locations where I can get free graduation clothes.
Pop Up Prom Job
Date: April 18
Site: John J. Flanagan Center; 423 Park Ave. , Huntington
Period: 2-6 p. m.
Required: A true large school I. D.
There will be plenty of options at this second occasion, which is being organized by Huntington Town Council officer Ed Smyth, District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Councilwoman Theresa Mari. Consider prom attire for both girls and boys below, along with individuals who will assist in finding the ideal outfit for the big time.
Prom Boutique
Date: April 20
Location: David S. Mack Center For Training & Intelligence; 1 Law Enforcement Way, Garden City
Time: 9 a. m. -3 p. m.
Required: A true large school I. D.
The Nassau County Police Department and fraternal organizations have taken over this year’s event, which was previously led by the Long Island Volunteer Center and the Junior League of Long Island. It is open to the public and “spectacular, ” says NCPD Det. Tracey Cabey. Girls can pick two dresses ( there are 4,000 of them ) along with pocketbooks, jewelry and makeup. For prom-going boys, there are some 300 suits and plenty of dress shirts and shoes to go along with them, according to Cabey. She says, “ I can’t imagine anyone going into this event that won’t find something that fits their style. ”
Added fun: A DJ, balloons and a stand-on podium where shoppers can take 360-photos of their new finery.
Prom Impact
Date: April 20
Location: Suffolk County Police Academy; 1001 Crooked Hill Rd. , Brentwood
Time: 11 a. m. -7 p. m.
Required: Suffolk County students only; a current high school I to bring. D.
“This is the Suffolk County Police Department’s biggest event of the year, ” says SCPD Det. Sgt. Tamika Mays. We want all students to have the best attire for their most significant event of the year, regardless of their economic status. ” Mays notes that they’ve collected more than 1,000 prom dresses along with a good selection of tuxedos and suits, ties and footwear. Free makeup is also available.
Youth Bureau, Brookhaven
Date: Now through June 14
Time: Daily 9 a. m. -4 p. m. ( except holidays ) and 5 p. m. -7:30 p. m. April 25, May 16 and June 6,
Required: Student I. D. , resident of Brookhaven only. By appointment only. Call 631-451-8011.
Enjoy a private meeting with Josie Lunde, the interface coordinator for the office building, who oversees the space in a boutique. The program was started in 1997 with 25 dresses, according to Lunde. Today, they have more than 1,000 ( many new with tags ) along with shoes, costume jewelry, makeup and handbags. It’s a positive experience, Lunde explains. The parents say,” You do n’t know how good this makes us feel, but the girls think it’s fantastic. ‘ ”
Southold Youth Bureau
Date: Year-round
Location: Peconic Community Center; 1170 Peconic Lane, Peconic
Time: Hours vary
Required: By appointment. Call 631-765-8251 or email traceym@southholdtownny. gov. Residents of Southold only.
Have a look at this collection of donated dresses in a private setting where high school students, those involved in ROTC, and anyone else involved in military service, are invited to” shop” one-on-one. Added bonus? Young Women’s Bureau Director Tracey Moloney provides a certificate of community service to young women who donate their dresses.
The Prom Closet
Date: April 17
Location: John Bowne High School; 6325 Main St. , Flushing
Time: 3:30-5:30 p. m.
Required: Student I. D. and only for senior students at the institution
The biggest concern this year was cost, says senior adviser Lisa Graer, and we noticed that kids were n’t signing up for senior activities. “We did n’t want to add the additional cost of prom. In what Graer describes as” a boutique atmosphere,” the school offers free prom wear to accomplish that goal. ” Included in the mix: tuxedos, suits, ties, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. “We have all kinds of dresses, ” says Graer, noting various styles including, “Cinderella, slim, bridesmaids and more. ”
Senior Prom Dress Giveaway
Date: April 20
Location: Elmont Memorial High School; 555 Ridge Rd. , Elmont
Time: 1-4 p. m.
Required: Preregister by writing to meeraempowerment@gmail. com. Bring student I. D. Elmont Memorial PTSA, in collaboration with MeeraEmpowerment and You’re Our Unity, hosts the event for the community.
“Anybody in need of a prom dress is welcome, ” says Savitre Ferdinand of MeeraEmpowerment, a foundation launched in 2021 by her daughter, Selene Ferdinand, now 12. Find a large selection of men’swear, as well as a lot of brand-new and gently used gowns. There will be snacks and activities.
Annual Prom Dress Drive at LIHBA
Date: June 4
Location: Huntington High School; 188 Oakwood Rd. , Huntington
Time: 10 a. m. -2 p. m.
Required: Only for students at the school.
This is a fantastic opportunity for last-minute shoppers who are still in need of prom attire at Huntington High School to look through the rolling racks brought there by Long Island Hispanic Bar Association members, who are the event’s sponsors. Find plenty of dressy dresses, cocktail and gown styles, along with shoes, accessories and jewelry. The organization anticipates wearing tuxedos and suits.
With Beth Whitehouse