For most high school students, prom is the reward for four years of hard work. The date, the dress, the fancy up-do -- not to mention post-prom parties -- it's all part of a magical rite of passage that you'll likely always remember.
Unfortunately, the ticket, perfect dress and limo come with a price tag that not everyone can afford. With this in mind, Sista Pride, a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee initiative, in conjunction with Fuel Milwaukee (formerly Young Profesisonals of Milwaukee), developed the "Who's that sista?: Princess for the Prom" makeover contest.
The project is helping 300 girls go to their high school prom.
"Sista Pride became aware of the fact that many of the Club's members were not attending their proms due to the cost involved," says Christine Finerty, Sista Pride and "Princess for the Prom" volunteer.
In order to achieve their goal of sending 300 girls to the prom, "Princess for the Prom" asks that the public donate anything prom related to the cause.
"We need new and gently used women's formal wear, including dresses and pant suits, new or used shoes, undergarments, accessories and financial support so that this can be a continued project," Finerty says.
To be a part of this contest the girls had to complete an application with a letter of recommendation, a typed letter addressing questions that have to do with leadership and a volunteer hour log.
All applicants have a chance to win one of the prize packages, which are named for precious gems. The top package is Diamond, followed by Ruby and Sapphire. The Diamond prize package will be for a select 15 girls and will include "the works" for prom: dresses, tickets, hair and nails. Ruby winners will get a dress and accessories and Sapphire winners receive a dress.
"This event is designed to help young women participate in a rite of passage that they may not have otherwise been able to enjoy, as well as to help them realize their full potential through defining what leadership means and identifying those qualities within themselves," Finerty says.
"This is an opportunity to help raise the confidence in young women as well as offering them a chance to gain a greater understanding of the importance of giving back to the community. Regardless of their situation, every young women has the right to realize their full potential."
Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Heather moved to Milwaukee to earn a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University. With a tongue-twisting last name like Leszczewicz, it's best to go into a career where people don't need to say your name often.
However, she's still sticking to some of her Illinoisan ways (she won't reform when it comes to things like pop, water fountain or ATM), though she's grown to enjoy her time in the Brew City.
Although her journalism career is still budding, Heather has had the chance for some once-in-a-lifetime interviews with celebrities like actor Vince Vaughn and actress Charlize Theron, director Cameron Crowe and singers Ben Kweller and Isaac Hanson of '90s brother boy band Hanson.
Heather's a self-proclaimed workaholic but loves her entertainment. She's a real television and movie fanatic, book nerd, music junkie, coffee addict and pop culture aficionado.
