Students in Ms. Downing's Spanish IV classes decided their Design Cycle Experience should have a positive impact on the community. When the idea of collecting formal dresses came up, it just made sense. “We wanted a project to help students who may not have hundreds of dollars to spend on a prom or homecoming dress,” explained junior Elyssa Lassair. “Our mission is that girls can come in and buy a dress for cheap – $5 for short dresses and $10 for long dresses – and they can be happy and look beautiful.”

The class also learned about fast fashion and its dire consequences on the environment, particularly in Latin American nations. Traders import unwanted garments to resell, and large quantities of these items end up in desert landfills.

Their mission is three-fold: Students will have access to affordable dresses for dances, repurposing the dresses helps the environment by keeping them out of landfills, and with the proceeds, Spanish classes will make a donation to the Hispanic Apostolate and help fund a Spanish field trip.

Students can drop off dresses every Thursday and Friday morning and afternoon in 4305. The grade with the most donations will receive a spirit point. Additionally, students who purchase a dress will receive a dress-down pass. Alumnae and members of the community may drop off dress donations to the reception area during regular school hours, Monday through Friday, 8:20 a.m.-3:25 p.m until January.