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Prom is a hallmark event for many high schoolers, a night to get dressed up in gowns, suits, glamorous makeup and shiny shoes — but attending can be expensive. That’s why the PTA is stepping in to help at one local school.
On April 4, the Menlo-Atherton High School PTA hosted its first “Diamond and King M-A Prom Closet and Boutique,” a program that supports economically disadvantaged students access to free prom attire.
The PTA expanded the prom closet from an existing program created in 2015 by Adrian Perkins-Sledge, an M-A alumna who is now a data information specialist at the school. Perkins-Sledge started the school’s cosmetology club. Students in the club collected dresses and did hair and makeup for their peers on the day of prom.
She noticed however, that “some of the students that were serving and helping out were also the students who would benefit from the opportunity as well.”
This year, in partnership with the school’s PTA, the prom closet has grown into a bigger project. With donations from the community and local retailers, the PTA has collected around 300 dresses, half of which are new with tags, and around 50 suits and tuxedos.
“Before this big event, we only had about 70 dresses and it was nothing like it is today,” said Perkins-Sledge. “It makes my heart so happy that so many people came together and the love from our PTA dropping everything and working late nights to collect dresses has just been inspiring.”
Macy’s also granted the PTA $2,500 to provide students with gift certificates. Sephora donated 75 gift bags. There were also donations from the Men’s Warehouse and Rin Bridal and an anonymous donation of 100 $65 vouchers for manicures at Ivy’s Nail Salon in Menlo Park. Dame the barber, owner of Xclusiv Cutz in Menlo Park is also donating $60 haircuts to students.
“Prom is really a highlight for some students in their high school lives and we want to make prom available for everyone,” said PTA Co-president Paige Winikoff.
Adrian Perkins-Sledge initiated free prom attire events back in 2015. Now, she has many volunteers assisting her at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton during the event on April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Paige Winikoff, co-president Menlo-Atherton PTA, irons a dress for students receiving free prom attire at Menlo-Atherton High School on April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Michelle de Haaff holds a complimentary blue dress for a student at Menlo-Atherton High School on April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
John Donald volunteers at the Menlo-Atherton High School event for students, assisting students in choosing outfits for the prom on April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Waiting room for students of Menlo-Atherton High School shopping at the school’s prom closet. April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds received specially tailored prom attire at Menlo-Atherton High School on April 4, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova.
The prom closet was a two-day event where “personal shoppers” helped students choose their dresses and suits and get fitted. Volunteer seamstresses pinned and altered garbs, using their sewing skills to help students feel comfortable in their attire.
Yvonne Murray, an M-A parent and volunteer seamstress, said her mother sewed her prom dresses back in the day and she’s excited to have a full circle moment.
“I’m really happy and grateful to be able to help make some kids’ dreams a reality,” said Murray.
On the day of prom, Friday, April 26, the PTA will also host a prom boutique for students to get their hair and makeup done by volunteers while serving hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider. They also plan to provide transportation to the prom in San Francisco.
M-A junior Alessia Bolanos was able to find a dress, shoes and a purse while perusing the closet. She said it was “cool” to see a lot of different sizes and colors offered.
Parents of students are also loving how much money they can save through the PTA’s efforts. M-A parent Patricia Harris said that the money they save on dresses and shoes will go toward a vacation instead.
As the prom closet has expanded, teachers and students from TIDE Academy in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto Academy have also expressed interest in the program. Students from these schools were invited to the closet as well.
“This school (M-A) is a huge melting pot between a very wide range of socioeconomics,” said Suzanne Buerchner, an M-A parent and alumna. “I think the amount of need in the student body can sometimes be invisible and we’re giving them a safe space to do something new and help them feel special.”
Perkins-Sledge hopes that in the future, M-A leadership, community members, teachers and staff will contribute to the prom closet to make prom accessible to
everyone.
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