Freshmen formal wear models Ngwena Mancho, Ryan Burger, and Adi Hirsh (and friends) rock the runway at RCHS’s fashion show, which raised funds for the After Prom.

The Drama Club, including Meredith Ham, Kimball Eggett, Augustus
Ballentine, and Hannah Beiersdorf represent the school’s production
of “Guys and Dolls.”

Below seniors Austin Matthys, Grant Schutte, Justin Hunter, Adam Fogle, and Eric Fogle pause on the runway while modeling clothes by Lucky Brand.

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Julia Bartmann

The snow on February 22 didn’t stop the hundreds of attendees and participants of the ninth annual Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) fashion show, held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center.  The fundraiser, themed “Reach for the Stars” will provide a safe celebration for neighborhood kids after their prom on April 18.

With the help of a dedicated team of parents, students, and faculty, more than 130 student models “rocked the runway” showcasing looks from retailers such as Al’s Formal Wear, Buckle, Athleta, David’s Bridal, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Miscellany in Castle Pines Village, and Sports Authority – to name a few.  Family and friends clapped along to the upbeat music and cameras flashed as the community came together to support the students.  An online auction, coordinated by Jenny Hanna and Karen and Scott Meade, was new this year and contributed greatly to raising funds for After Prom.

Many clubs and sports strutted their stuff down the runway, showing the vast array of interests and talents.  Football, key club, cheer and poms, science Olympiads, and biotech were a few of the many groups that entertained the crowd with choreographed dance moves, poses and big smiles.

New this year, the feeder schools to RCHS were included as part of the show.  Students from Rocky Heights Middle School and Buffalo Ridge, Redstone, Timber Trail and Wildcat Elementary schools got to shine on the runway, which the audience loved.  Emersen McQueen represented Buffalo Ridge and said, “I loved showing my school spirit, meeting other kids, having fun, and showing our personalities in a creative way.  I can’t wait for high school!”

The fashion show concluded with each senior parent walking their son or daughter down the runway in prom formal wear, which always brings a few tears.  Lisa Bartmann described the experience of watching her husband Gary walk with their daughter Gabi as, “the feeling of knowing this is one of those memorable moments in your spouse’s life and your child’s.”

With teen traffic fatalities at their highest during prom and graduation season, a safe celebration after the prom is essential.  RCHS holds the largest After Prom event in Douglas County, making it a challenge to raise funds each year as the student population grows.  

The community is invited and encouraged to attend the After Prom open house on April 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The school is transformed into a destination (you’ll have to visit to see the theme!) and the spirit, creativity, and generosity of the many volunteers comes through, all with the intention of keeping our kids safe.

To support After Prom through a donation or volunteering your time, contact Tanya Schutte at dtschutte@comcast.net.