Masuk Free Press

Every year, students gather for one of the most anticipated events leading up to prom… the Prom Fashion Show. The event showcases formalwear for the upcoming dance while also serving a large purpose: raising money to help fund post-prom and ensure the night is accessible and memorable for both the junior and senior classes. 

Organized by students, staff, and local parent volunteers, the show brings together a big part of the Monroe and Masuk community for an evening centered on style, school spirit, and community support. Students walk the runway in a variety of prom looks, from classic tuxedos and beautiful dresses to modern and trend-forward designs. The show gives attendees a preview of current prom fashion while celebrating the creativity and confidence of the students participating. An event exclusive to masuk seniors, it’s also a fun event that friends share with each other as they begin to take in the last of high school in the second semester. 

“My friends all kind of convinced me to do it, but I’m really glad they did,” said senior model Adeline Kellogg. “It ended up being a lot of fun.”

While the event highlights fashion, its main goal is to support prom-related events financially. Proceeds from ticket sales and other fundraising efforts during the show go directly toward helping organize and expand post-prom activities, helping make the event possible for students every year. 

“While the fashion show doesn’t raise money for the prom itself, it’s Masuk’s largest fundraiser and helps us create post-prom,” said senior class president and primary organizer Chris Yuskas. “The reason post-prom has grown so much in recent years is because of the participation in the fashion show.”

Beyond fundraising, the prom fashion show has become a yearly tradition that brings students together in a different way than typical school events. Participants spend weeks preparing for the show, practicing walks and routines, coordinating outfits, and organizing the production. 

“Overall, planning the fashion show took a few months,” Yuskas said. “We worked closely with the PTO and spent a lot of time coordinating with dress and suit shops, as well as other vendors.”

For many students, the fashion show serves as both a preview of prom night and a chance to celebrate the excitement leading up to the end of the school year. As the lights dim and the first models step onto the runway, the event transforms from a simple fundraiser into an experience that reflects the anticipation surrounding one of the most fun and memorable options of senior year. 

One thing I didn’t expect was the personality in the show itself. Students walk out in pairs and trios together, pacing the stage back and forth and striking poses at every corner. While they show off their respective outfits, Principal Steven Swenson and teacher Diane Gaber introduced each student who came out. As the MCs for the night, Swenson and Gaber took turns reading off fun facts and information about the seniors so the audience got a chance to know the people they were watching. 

Many students said that the relaxed and humorous atmosphere was their favorite part of the event.  

“My favorite part was coming up with poses with my friends on the spot,” said fellow senior model Georgia Simmons. “We couldn’t plan everything, but there was no pressure at all. We were just having fun with it.”

Others simply enjoyed finally being able to take part in a tradition they had watched for years. 

“I’ve watched the fashion show every year, so I thought it would be fun to actually be part of it as a senior,” said model Molly Kinahan. “I wasn’t super nervous, but definitely a little. I was mostly trying not to step on the dress.”

For many participants, the event was less about modeling and more about sharing a moment with friends before the end of the school year. 

“A lot of my friends were doing it, and it’s a great fundraiser,” shared senior Abby Yeager, who walked with Kinihan across the stage. “Plus, it was a good excuse to have fun and dress up.”

As the show wrapped up and the final senior dance number brought the entire group of models back onto the stage, the energy in the auditorium shared by classmates, family, and friends made it clear why the prom fashion show continues to be such a successful tradition. With students, teachers, and community members all contributing to the event, the night serves as both a celebration of the senior class and a reminder that some of the most memorable parts of high school happen before prom night even starts.