Thanks Annapolis, Maryland!

Teen pageant winner makes Cabrini High School prom one to remember

03:59 PM CDT on Saturday, April 8, 2006
WWLTV.com


One teenage girl in Annapolis, Maryland has made the Cabrini High School prom even more unforgettable for local teens.

Seven months ago, Cabrini students weren't sure if they would have a prom.

But when Miss Teen Annapolis, Marisa West, was picking out her own prom dress, she thought of the juniors and seniors who would be without a dress for prom.

West, 17, contacted Cabrini High School, where 35 percent of the student body lost everything in hurricane Katrina. She then requested that dress shops and fellow pageant winners contribute about 200 dresses for Cabrini students.

As word of West's generosity spread, the 200 dresses requested grew to 1,200 donated dresses. Cabrini prom goers also received shoes and jewelry.

A trucking company offered to make a free trip to deliver the goods. The dresses and accessories arrived in New Orleans Friday.

"It's wonderful that people are still remembering what happened here," said student Katie Dubus.

The gift also lessens the financial burden that parents face when outfitting their teens for prom.

Now, all 440 female students a Cabrini have a dress for the prom.

West plans to attend Cabrini's prom on May 12, when student will have an opportunity to meet her in person.

Because there was a surplus of formalwear, Cabrini students plan to donate the leftover dresses to students in Bay St. Louis.

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/040806cckrWwltvpromdress.171bb3ef.html