It’s that time of the year juniors and seniors! Everyone sees prom as one of the most magical nights of your teenage life, I mean you can only do it twice. Besides prom being an amazing night you get to spend with your friends and your possible date, it’s expensive. From the dinner reservations to the tickets, limos, and corsages, dresses don’t have to be on the list.

In a survey of 21 students, one said, “[Dresses] are basically required for prom. So, companies jack up the price so, that they can make big bank while you get to wear them for probably only one time and never use it again.” Only 19% of 21 people were willing to spend $600 or more on a dress. Of course, the vast majority of 66% was willing to pay $200 or less for a dress. 52% of them say that $100 or more is an appropriate price. So, that leads to another, more important question: why are they so expensive?  

Mrs.Murray, an English teacher here at Bob Jones and SGA sponsor, is selling prom dresses for only $20. We asked Mrs. Murray a few questions concerning the dresses, particularly why she started selling them. She wants every girl to experience “magical memories” on prom night just like she did and she wants girls to not worry about finding a dress. She said, “The dresses have been on sale since January 31. Dresses can be viewed, tried on, and purchased in room S220. I have sizes ranging from a 2-18 in all styles and colors. Some of the dresses are two-piece ensembles, strapless, halter, spaghetti straps, beaded, sequins, full, lace, satin, and so much more. There really is something for everyone.”

Members of the community and Town and Country on Hughes Road donated the dresses. Three-fourths of the collection is new and were only worn once at the student fashion show or tried on in store. Plus, all the money collected goes to Asbury Thrift Store and other various charities. The Hogan Family YMCA also has prom dresses for cheap.   

The Hogan Family YMCA collected over 400 prom dresses for the upcoming proms in the Madison County area. The YMCA’s Signature Program for Social Responsibility is called Togetherhood. The Togetherhood project’s mission according to their website is to connect people from all walks of life to help with volunteer projects that will benefit their communities. Members of the Y and a director work together in Togetherhood to organize service projects, for the second year they have collected prom dresses.

Thanks to organizations such as the YMCA and SGA willing to sell dresses from their own classroom such as Mrs. Murray, prom dresses don’t have to break the bank.