Fashion Show Promotes Prom Safety

Long Beach High School seniors dazzled their friends and families as they took to the stage to model the latest in prom attire for the Morning Madness Fashion Show last week.

This annual event, which has become a traditional rite of passage into prom season, is staged each March to raise money and generate some buzz for the Parent Teacher Student Association’s (PTSA) 20^th annual substance-free Morning Madness After-Prom Party in June.

Morning Madness Committee Chairs Gina Knauer, Randi Andosca, Linda Birnbaum, Rhonda Healy and Betsy Glazer saw to every detail, making sure that this would be an unforgettable night for the seniors and their families, complete with raffle prizes, appreciation awards and even a video feed in the dressing room that enabled participants to view all the festivities while they awaited their own grand entrances.

Before the show, parents and friends enjoyed an Aussie-style feast, donated by Outback Steakhouse of Island Park, while the high school string ensemble provided musical entertainment.

While the seniors were busy backstage completing their transformations from typical teenagers to glamorous runway models, Committee Chair Emeritus Darlene Tangney expressed heartfelt thanks to the many local merchants and individuals who have donated money, services and raffle prizes throughout the year.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the volunteers, staff and community who make this all possible,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Greenberg.  “The success of Morning Madness is a tribute to the committee chairpersons standing behind me. Nothing is more precious than our children. Please join them in working to keep this wonderful event going.”

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the entrance of the first group to parade down the runway in glittering gowns, tuxedos and tails. Each couple embellished their entrances with personal touches, adding sunglasses, confetti, dramatic dance moves and even a pogo stick.

Gowns and tuxedos were provided courtesy of Estelle’s of Farmingdale, Frock of Long Beach, Bridal Reflections of Carle Place and The Bridal World of Baldwin. Teacher Maria Perrone once again choreographed the show, and music teacher Bruce Kaplan provided piano accompaniment.

Morning Madness is an alcohol- and drug-free all-night party that provides seniors with a fun, safe and absolutely free place to continue their celebration after the prom. The party, which is open to all seniors, features food, music and raffle prizes. The grand prizes, raffled off at the end of the evening, are a laptop computer and a brand new car.

Students must be present and accounted for at the time of the raffle in order to be eligible to win the computer and the car – a powerful incentive to stay all night. Anyone still interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation is invited to contact the LBHS PTSA at (516) 897-2012.