Teen-age role models call for a safe and sober prom night. - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Teen-age role models call for a safe and sober prom night.

Share via

There’s only one thing worse than not getting a date for the high school prom. And that’s getting a date and then drinking and driving.

To help get that message across to South Bay high school students, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Students Against Drunk Driving and the Galleria in Redondo Beach will be holding a Prom Fever fashion show Saturday featuring 40 teen-age models who are dedicated to “safe and sober†high school proms.

“The purpose of Prom Fever is to take a stand, to send out a very strong message about teen drinking and driving,†said Lauren Schwartz, marketing director for the Galleria.

Advertisement

To select the models for the fashion show, organizers sent out 2,500 applications to eight South Bay high schools. Students were asked on the applications why they wanted to participate.

“I believe in a safe and sober prom night,†wrote Jennifer Mamaril of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. “Prom only comes once in your life, and it shouldn’t be wasted by drunk driving.â€

“I would like to promote a drug-free prom, and I think it would be fun,†responded Shawnee Hayes of Mira Costa High School.

Advertisement

“I am a strong advocate against drinking and driving,†wrote Rebecca Johnson of Peninsula High School. “Prom Fever is promoting something with a strong message, yet in a fun way.â€

About 150 students auditioned. From them, eight males and 32 females were selected.

“We were looking for people who were committed to the cause of no drinking and driving,†Schwartz said.

Therefore, she said, personal appearance wasn’t the primary consideration in choosing the models.

Advertisement

Yet, Schwartz said, “(The models) all happen to be very good-looking kids.â€

Both prom-type formal fashions and casual wear will be featured at the show. Celebrity hosts for the event at noon on Saturday will be Jeremy Miller, who plays Ben Seaver on ABC’s “Growing Pains,†and KROQ disc jockey Tammy Heide. Admission is free.

There will also be a $1 per ticket raffle--proceeds going to MADD--for a “Dream Date.†The winner will receive a free limousine ride, tuxedo rental and formal gown, dinner, makeup, flowers and jewelry. The raffle winner will have to provide his or her own date.

What: Prom Fever Fashion Show.

Where: Center Court Stage, The Galleria at South Bay, corner of Artesia and Hawthorne boulevards in Redondo Beach.

When: Noon Saturday.

Contact: The Galleria at South Bay, (310) 371-7546.

Advertisement