Prom is often seen as a high school norm. It is a night to celebrate with friends, make memories, and feel special. For many students, the excitement of prom can be overshadowed by the price tag of the night. This price tag includes the uneconomical cost of a prom dress. For some students, buying a prom dress can feel out of reach, but that’s where the free prom dress closet at ALHS comes in. The prom closet offers students in need the chance to attend prom without the financial strain, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience this special event.

The prom closet provides gently used and new prom dresses for students who might not otherwise be able to afford them. The closet is located in room F200 and is stocked with donations from teachers, alumni and local businesses. These dresses are available for students to “shop” for free, with no obligation to return them or pay a fee. This initiative guarantees that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, can enjoy the excitement and magic of prom, without the stress of how to pay for a dress. 

In order to better understand the closet and what it offers the Ahlahasa staff decided to get firsthand experience of what the closet has to offer by trying on some of the dresses ourselves. The dresses inside the closet had ranges of styles and sizes so each member of the staff found a dress that they were able to try on. The styles of dresses ranged from floor length ball gowns to shorter cocktail dresses, giving a wide variety for students. The process was simple and fun: we browsed the racks, picked out a few options and tried them on. During this process it was easy to imagine the joy and confidence that students must feel when they are able to find a beautiful dress they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Reflecting on the experience, it’s easy to see how programs like this contribute to a sense of community and inclusivity at ALHS. Prom is a time when all students should feel confident and celebrated, and the prom closet makes that possible for everyone. It’s a reminder that when a community comes together, great things happen — and prom should be a night for all, not just those who can afford it. As prom season approaches, the ALHS community is encouraged to donate gently used or new formal wear to the prom closet to ensure it remains stocked for future years. Every contribution—whether a dress, accessories, or a financial donation—helps keep the closet available for students in need. By supporting the prom closet, we can all ensure that every student has the chance to experience the magic of prom, creating lasting memories that everyone deserves to have.