Second Annual Say Yes to the Prom Dress Expands with New Suit Initiative

The second annual Say Yes to the Prom Dress event, founded by Jante Gibson-Bryant, is set to take place in Salisbury, offering students a unique opportunity to prepare for their prom experience at no cost. This year, the initiative is expanding to include a new program called Suit Up for Prom, catering to young men as well as women. The event will be held on March 14, 2024, at the Salisbury Civic Center.

Last year, the inaugural event successfully provided over 100 prom dresses and a complete “Prom Perfect Experience,” which included hair, makeup, and a dinner. According to Gibson-Bryant, the overwhelming success of the first event motivated her to continue and enhance the initiative. “There was so much success, it has to continue,” she stated.

New Opportunities and Growing Participation

This year, nominations for the Perfect Prom Experience will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on March 1. Applicants must be seniors attending any Rowan-Salisbury high school and demonstrate qualities such as leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to personal growth. Nominations can be submitted by teachers, counselors, peers, or through self-nomination, requiring specific information about the nominee’s character, leadership, and future aspirations.

In addition to dresses, the new Suit Up for Prom initiative, developed in partnership with Communities in Schools, aims to provide suits to male students. Gibson-Bryant noted that many suits have been donated to the organization, making this expansion possible. “My goal is to have a Perfect Prom Experience for a senior girl and guy from Rowan-Salisbury Schools,” she said.

Commitment to Quality and Experience

Gibson-Bryant aims to double the number of dresses available this year, targeting around 500 dresses. She is currently collecting gently used or new formal wear, emphasizing the importance of quality. “I’m not just going to give them anything,” she explained. “I want them to feel empowered and confident in what they wear.” This commitment extends to shoes and jewelry, which she is also seeking as donations.

The event will resemble a boutique experience, complete with dressing rooms and mirrors, ensuring that students feel dignified and valued. Gibson-Bryant shared a poignant reflection from last year’s event: “I watched so much shame walk in and so much joy walk out.” This powerful feedback reinforces her belief in the event’s impact and purpose.

Gibson-Bryant’s personal journey fuels her commitment to this initiative. Having faced her own challenges, including dropping out of school in the ninth grade, she aims to remove financial barriers for students wishing to attend prom. “I want everyone who wants to go to prom to be able to do so,” she said. “This is healing for me.”

As the event approaches, Gibson-Bryant expresses her excitement and anticipation for a successful turnout. She encourages community members to contribute by donating items or volunteering as sponsors. Donations can be dropped off at Second Presbyterian Church on February 28, from 3-6 p.m.

Students interested in participating in the Say Yes to the Prom Dress and Suit Up for Prom programs can register through the event’s Eventbrite page. Gibson-Bryant’s goal remains clear: to create a memorable and empowering experience for all students involved.