Prom and the power of the positive

A week before last Spring’s prom at Fort Scott High School, a few students came to Rachel Eden panicked because they had nothing to wear. They confided in her that the cost of dresses, shoes, and accessories was just too much, and it might be easier to skip prom altogether. Rachel didn’t want them to miss out on this milestone experience, so with SparkWheel’s support, Rachel purchased dresses for the students just in time for the event. She was only a few months into her first year as a Student Support Coordinator, but Rachel knew other students were facing the same situation, and she would be prepared next year.  

Rachel discussed the need with her fellow Student Support Coordinator at Fort Scott Middle School, Winter Moore. Winter felt a tug at her heart and immediately started shopping.  

Winter lives near a thrift store and would video call Rachel each time she spotted a prom dress. They slowly started a small collection of gowns on a rack in Rachel’s office. They also

asked friends to donate to the cause, and Winter posted a request to her social media page. The word spread within their school communities, and the closet grew. Since last Spring, they’ve acquired a collection of formal wear in Rachel’s school office that includes nearly 40 dresses. It’s not just prom gowns. They have added suit jackets, heels and loafers, accessories like ties and handkerchiefs, and they recently loaned out more casual dresses for the school’s Winter Formal.  

Rachel gives Winter all the credit. “She’s done all the work…She does all the shopping and pickups and stuff like that. I've had a couple people drop off {items} at the high school, but Winter has been the main driver.” 

When asked what motivates them to go the extra mile, Winter says. “They’re forever my kids.” 

“I was a kid who couldn't afford prom. I think it's really impactful that we have the opportunity to help them do that. There was a lot that I missed out on as a kid and it’s really cool to get to see them {have the experience}, know that Rachel's there and trust her to help them. Also, I love shopping, so it doesn't hurt me.” 

Their motivation isn’t just personal. Across the organization, SparkWheel has embraced the philosophy of HOPE. That’s “Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences”— a science-backed methodology that proves positive experiences in childhood can outweigh the negative. Practitioners know that ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences, are common and can have long-term negative impacts on healthy development and adulthood. However, research shows that with enough Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), we can tip the scales towards a thriving future. Rachel and Winter are intentional about how they can be a positive force in their students’ lives, and this is just one more contribution.