Searching for the perfect prom dress? The Tappan Zee High School Library is offering a sustainable, fashion-forward solution for those seeking prom dresses to upcycle, alter or wear as is!
A long-time promoter of school-based sustainability and environmental initiatives, TZHS Library Media Specialist Patty Eyer first conceived of the prom upcycling program last year and launched it this spring.
Stocked with dresses and shoes donated by staff, students and Maria Whittingham (owner of the Maria Luisa boutique in Nyack), the “prom closet” is available to seniors who are looking for prom wear to wear as is or to upcycle into a new design. Students can browse in person or by logging onto the TZHS Library Catalogue at https://wzym.wuja.opalsinfo.net/bin/home (click the “Prom Dresses” tab). Items are free and may be reserved online for pick up.
Thanks to help from library aide Jane Bradbury and teaching assistants Isabel Arce, Yvette Marchman and Karen Bell, donated items are scanned into the catalogue, where they are organized and listed by designer, size and color. Whittingham has volunteered to assist students interested in molding their upcycled dress into their own unique, individual style.
“COVID-19 has given me the ability to focus professionally to align my vision for our library program,” said Eyer, who transitioned from William O. Schaefer Elementary School to the high school in September 2019. “I want it to be a safe haven and a hub for sustainability that reflects the needs of our students and staff.”
For more information, check out the TZHS Library Instagram feed: @TZHSLibrary.
Interested in donating? Prom dresses and jackets that are clean and either brand new or gently worn and in good condition may be donated.
