MONTROSE, NY — On March 8, 2024, the PTSA and Class of 2024 kicked off Hen Hud’s annual Fashion Show fundraiser. This year, the theme was music festivals: Rolling Loud, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Stagecoach, Tomorrowland, and Jazz Fest, hence the student-voted name of Hudapolooza. Following the genres of each festival, the PTSA thrifted, donated and shopped for outfits for each kid.
After a short interest meeting in mid-December, more than 80 students volunteered to participate, ranging from modeling to hair and makeup, student ushers, recording and photography.
Arriving at 4 pm for the dress rehearsal, the senior class got a first glimpse of the transformed gym decked out in lights, curtains, a runway, and of course, a DJ setup. After a short run-through, the seniors had a quick pizza dinner before ascending the stairs to get ready. Each room had a rack of previously picked outfits and a pair of PTSA chaperones.
Approaching showtime, the science hallway was crowded with makeup, accessories, cowboy hats and loose high heels. Cosmetology students from BOCES volunteered to do hair and makeup. The hallways, or the practice runways and photo areas, housed genre-perfect accessories including boas, studded bracelets, red bandanas and LED party glasses.
Doors opened at 6:30, an hour before show time. Parents, family, friends, and underclassmen funneled into the gym. In the Hall of Fame, the PTSA sold concessions donated by other parents. They also sold flowers and held a silent auction of different community-based prizes such as some gift and raffle baskets. Along with the auction, students sold 50-50 raffle tickets before the show, where the winner took home half the pot with the PTSA.
The lineup for Rolling Loud, the hip-hop festival, started at 7:15, and energy was high. Hannah Quigley and Marta Przybylowska braved the runway first for Rolling Loud, leading the way for everyone else to follow.
The next segment was Lollapalooza – students dressed up in rock & roll outfits, with a mostly black palette including red accents and studded bracelets to suit the theme.
Next, for Stagecoach, students dressed up in country outfits paired with cowboy hats and boots and red bandanas.
The second half included Jazzfest, punctuated by 1920s-esque jazz attire, followed by the very spring and boho-chic Coachella.
The last segment before the annual finale was Tomorrowland, a rave festival featuring colorful and creative outfits.
As per tradition, for the finale, Prom, seniors showed off their formal wear before the senior prom. Seniors walked with their partners as this time around their names were announced by Mr. Lupien.
