Prom, J-prom, the senior ski trip, senior internships… they’re all a toss-up, in jeopardy of being plucked from our grasp by the Covid pandemic. However, there is still hope: one of Chatham High School’s most successful fundraisers, which also happens to be one of its most highly-anticipated student events, is the senior fashion show, which is still scheduled to take place this spring. If you’re not familiar with the senior fashion show it is an annual PTO fundraiser, and it’s pretty much exactly how it sounds: a fashion show during which senior models walk the runway sporting outfits and apparel from nearby retailers. There are also skits involved. In addition to funding our schools and helping local businesses, the fashion show is a blast for students. If you’re a senior who has signed up for this year’s fashion show and is wondering what to expect, you’ve come to the right place; though much is still unknown about this year’s fashion show, especially in regards to Covid and the effect it will take, I have the current scoop. So, without further ado, what can we expect from this year’s fashion show, and how will it be any different?
Under current Covid restrictions, this year’s fashion show will look pretty familiar to the other events we’ve all attended recently: it will take place outside and all attendees will adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear masks (pretty standard, right). Thankfully, spectators will remain live and in-person at the event. As for the venue, on May 15th this spring, hope for good weather in Chatham because the fashion show will be outside behind CHS. So, it’s safe to say that the event will look quite familiar to the new norm we’ve become accustomed to – something we all saw coming – but what else has changed?
This year, a tremendous 199 senior models are signed up for the show who will feature 199 outfits. This means each senior model will walk the runway one time in exactly one outfit. Of the 199 models, 110 seniors are expected to participate in a skit. Instead of being rehearsed and performed live, as is done during traditional school years, skits will be pre-recorded and played at the show for the enjoyment of its audience (good news, introverts).
While much is still unknown or to be decided about this year’s senior fashion show, it is sure to be as fun a time as ever and we are lucky to have it. One thing can be said for certain: a lot will depend on the May health guidelines and the future coronavirus situation. Changes in the pandemic numbers and vaccine rollouts will undoubtedly affect the number of attendees and possibly even the number of students allowed to congregate at the event at one time. Anticipate changes, but, as I always say expect the best and plan for the worst.
