Pathways SBYSP Brings Cinderella's Closet to Carteret High School

On Wednesday February 26th Pathways SBYSP worked with the Turnpike Authority to bring Cinderella's Closet to Carteret High School. 

Through the hard work of the team at the Turnpike Authority, there were over 200 dresses brought to the high school as well as, several suits, shoes, accessories and make up. The Turnpike Authority held this event in memory of their friend and Coworker John Cifelli who passed away in June of 2011 after a brave and courageous fight with Melanoma. It was his wish before he passed away to see the unused dresses that his wife and sisters had at home be put to good use. Carteret was the first school that benefitted from his mission ten years ago when John came to oversee the event and it came full circle when members of the Turnpike Authority and his family came again this year in his memory.

Over fifty students signed up to "shop" for their prom attire and all students walked away with something. Students came down to the auditorium in groups of ten and had about an hour to look through the dresses, take several choices into our "dressing rooms" and find their dream dress among their friends. Once their choice was made, the showed off their choices to "oohs" and "ahhhs" and then they were able to look through shoes and jewelry. Thirty students found full prom attire - beautiful dresses, shoes, jewelry and make up. Several young men also received suits, vests and ties.

In addition to all the incredible prom attire, two young men were give $250 toward tuxes, as well as haircuts and prom bids. Another student won two free prom bids in addition to finding a wonderful dress, shoes and jewelry.

The students were so excited to try on the clothes and find their perfect prom dresses or to be given these very generous gift certificates and prom bids. It was a perfect day and the start of a new tradition at Carteret High School. In fact, the plan is to do a dress drive through Pathways starting in the fall or winter and then bring Cinderella's closet back in the spring for our Juniors and Seniors.

Pathways sends a big thanks to the Turnpike Authority team, Niccole Smith, Jen Schumacher, Jenn Caves, Mrs. Cifelli (mother of John Cifelli), Nick Cifelli (brother of John Cifelli), Amanda Cifelli ( Daughter of John Cifelli), Ms. Connolly, Ms. Dunn and Ms. Dershowitz for their help!