The stage in Wareham High School’s auditorium came alive with a variety of colors and designs for a brand new event on Thursday night, Jan. 16. 

Students strutted in style for the first-ever fashion show presented by Lisa Cunha, and students of her fashion marketing class. 

Students began planning for the event as far back as September. They picked out or designed their own outfits in ten categories ranging from business professional, to vintage decades, to wearable art. 

They even wrote their own descriptions of each outfit that were read by teacher Ashleigh Salerno as models posed and walked across the stage. 

Senior Jasmine Black directed the event, and said that she wants to be a professional event planner in the future. Although this is her last year at Wareham High School, she said she hopes that this event will continue to grow after she graduates, and become something that the town looks forward to. 

When asked about what it was like to be a model in a fashion show, Isabella Valatkevicz  said “it was stressful, a lot of quick changes for everyone.” 

Some of Valatkevicz‘s fashion statements included a green dress, and some 80’s inspired workout gear. 

Freshman Marian Karam said that modeling in a fashion show is harder than some may realize, but she will likely participate in the event for all four years of high school. 

When a dress was left without anyone to model it, Jason Klemp said he decided to “take the bullet” and rise to the occasion. Although it might not have been his usual style, he rocked it with confidence, and flexed his muscles for the crowd as he stood on the stage.

Teacher Aislinn Weintraub and her young daughter Winter also made appearances on the stage. Weintraub said that “it was wonderful to see the kids be involved with something so positive.” 

When asked about her performance, Winter simply said “I put my dress on, and I turned around.” 

As models took center stage, Amari Ellenwood worked behind the scenes to play music selections to match the vibe of each model’s style.

Members of DECA, a business program that helps students develop professional skills, collected tickets and worked the concession stand. Funds raised by the fashion show will go to support the school’s DECA program, also led by Cunha.