On April 2, Project Graduation hosted its annual Fashion Show.

The show was held as a fundraiser for Project Graduation, an event where the seniors will go to Dave N’ Busters right after graduation. This year, the event was once again a success as it raised over $11,000 for the senior class.

Seniors volunteer their time and get to experience the thrill of walking down a runway. However, it isn’t something one can simply show up and do. Throughout the course of the year, one has to meet two of three requirements. The first thing is do some form of job for the Project Graduation committee, make a basket for the basket auction, or get a sponsor for the event. As long as you fulfill two of these requirements, one can take part in the show.

One of the main reasons why students enjoy this event so much is that each student can bring out their unique personality. They can wear whatever they please (as long as it’s within reason) and can make their own pose or routine.

This year, one of the flashiest people to walk was senior Cole Norfleet. Complete with a top hat, cane, bright white gloves, and a tailcoat, Norfleet was simply the epitome of style and class. While he failed to catch his hat on his head during his routine at the end of the runway, he still looked razor sharp.

The best single pose, however, went to senior Brendan Griswold. Griswold began casually walking down the runway wearing a pair of sunglasses and soaking up the spotlight. As he approached the end, he unexpectedly somersaulted, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd. He then proceeded to get up, throw sunglasses into the audience, walk backwards a few steps, turn around and walk back to the entrance. It was a phenomenal mixture of swagger, athleticism, and creativity all wrapped up in one incredible routine.

Not only do seniors participate in the event, but students of all grades are eligible to walk as well. They can be as young as preschool and go up all the way to eighth grade. This is a fantastic way to get more of a crowd and generate even more revenue, all while giving the little Raiders and parents a moment they will never forget.

The highlight of the night came early in the night when senior Mike Engelhardt asked senior Jenna Askes to prom. As Askes walked down the runway, she was approached by Engelhardt’s friends who held a letter spelling out “PROM”. Not only did it produce a wonderful applause, it created a moment the two will remember forever.

I, myself, participated in the fashion show this year, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. Being able to dress up and have a good time with close friends is something I never turn away from, so this was a no-brainer.

Overall, The 2016 Fashion Show was a night filled with amazing tuxes and dresses worn by some amazing people, all while doing some amazing things for our senior class.