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Nansemond River High School DECA Chapter, in partnership with C3 Concierge, TD Capital Services Productions and the Hampton Roads Community, helped young women to “Say Yes to The Prom Dress” on Saturday, March 18. 

More than 100 came out to the third annual Gowns For Crowns Prom Dress event to shop for their special dresses. 

The program was well received by those attending.

“I am especially grateful for this event and that the 45-minute drive was well worth it because my daughter found her dress and it saved me the costly expense of purchasing a dress,” one parent said. “The savings will allow me to spend more on accessories, makeup, nails, etc. to make my daughter’s prom one she will never forget.”

After finding her dress one young woman said, “I love it! It’s giving Statue of Liberty colors, but also Athena vibes. My zodiac sign is Virgo, so I am a goddess.”

The NRHS DECA Chapter members said they had a wonderful time dancing, laughing, shopping, and taking pictures with the young women and special guest Miss Virginia Teen Ayana Johnson, who came out to support our cause and helped young ladies to shop. Johnson is a junior at Nansemond River High School, Sickle Cell Warrior, and Teen Ambassador for the National Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. She shared her journey and encouraged the young ladies to enjoy this memorable event as they shopped for their special dresses. 

“It was a pleasure to have Ayana be a part of our event and see how she connected with the young ladies and helped put a smile on their faces after they selected their dresses,” a DECA news release said.

The NRHS chapter said the event was made possible through donations, volunteers and resources provided by the community, along with support from Team Gowns For Crowns, Karen Waddell and the Nansemond River Choir.