Juniors and seniors from De Soto High School participated in the 2016 Natalie M. Foundation Benefit Fashion Show on Jan. 31. Each individual was given the opportunity to win scholarships,  a free prom dress and walk on the runway. An estimated 400 students from different schools modeled the new prom clothing lines from designers such as Rachel Allan and Tony Bowls.

DHS students Sydney Hoover, Myah Robke and Becca Clancy even managed to snap a picture with the designer of their dresses.

Events like this give students a one- of-a-kind experience.

“I have never done anything like that before and it was really cool. Getting to walk the runway is something not a lot of people get to do,” Robke said.

Although many enjoyed the event, there were some aspects that they hope will change in the coming years.

“Going through [the show] one more timewould have been helpful. They only let us practice once,” Robke said. “Also, some of the girls had to ‘come out of their shell’ and I think its a great experience.”

The fashion show also gave students a chance to raise money for the prom fund by selling tickets.

“It’s a lot of fun and you raise money for a good cause so it is very worth it,”  junior Jackie Kennard said.

Many students said that given the chance, they would do it again.

“I think it was a really positive experience. Everyone working there was really nice,” Robke said.

Kennard agrees, stating that she “liked getting to try on all different kinds of dresses.”

Overall, the event was a positive experience.

“I gained some confidence from it by walking in front of all the people watching which is helpful for everything,” Kennard said.