High school boutique giving every student a chance to enjoy prom

BALLSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The glitz and glam of prom season always comes at the cost of a pretty penny. Two teachers in a local school district are taking the stress out of planning and helping students get ready by starting a free prom boutique.

The idea was started by two teachers at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Through donations, teachers Danielle Collins and Kate Jones have amassed dozens of fancy dresses fit for prom.

The rite of passage for so many juniors and seniors can be an expensive one. Danielle Collins explained, "The financial need is really a big deal to the kids, and it's a huge stressor not only for kids but their families."

Kate Jones added, "We started with one rack. Now it's six or seven."

Senior Georgie Harris said, "I remember seeing dresses are free, and I'm, like, that makes life so much easier instead of buying a $500 dress! I found quite a few dresses that I loved! Then I found my dress that I adored."

Georgie and her friend Samantha Lorenc have already picked out their perfect ensemble for the May event without having to spend a dime. "That's the one. Your face tells it all. I'm in shock. I love it so much" said Samantha on finding her dress.

"It's ok to get a dress secondhand that has been worn once and not spend $700 or $800," Jones explained.

At the end of the night, no matter where students get their dress from, it's all about having fun.

The boutique, which was started in 2017, has become such a big success that people have started donating shoes and tuxedos. For more information on where to donate, you can reach out to Danielle Collins (dacollins@bhbl.org) or Kate Jones (kjones@bhbl.org).