Special event brings friends together at Vernon Hills event

The hair styling was nice and the dresses were "awesome," but free stuff wasn't the only attraction for eighth-grade girls during a recent afternoon of primping and preening.

As she had her hair braided during the "fluff and buff" portion of what has become an annual event at Hawthorn Middle School South, eighth-grader Jenna Tross of Mundelein explained why she wanted to participate.

"I'm not into makeup or dresses but my friend said they had a ball so I took her advice," said Tross. "I love it so far."

Indeed there was a lot of friendly banter and nervous giggles earlier this month as about 60 girls - about two-thirds of the girls in the eighth-grade class - took turns on stage during practice for the fashion show, the capper of an afternoon intended to boost camaraderie and raise self-esteem.

"Last year, a lot of them came to me and said it was the most fun they had in their three years here. Everyone got along, which was nice," explained Rhonnie Bogenschutz, a learning disabilities teacher who originated the idea last year.

"It was just a warm sentiment. You don't get that very often from eighth-graders. Take it and run," added Bogenschutz, known as "Mrs. B," as she kept a close eye on every detail of the pageant practice in the multipurpose room of the Vernon Hills school.

As it was last year, an essential part of the event is the free prom dresses, donated by Zengeler Cleaners, teachers, staff, their friends and other sources. About 150 dresses were collected this year and altered to have straps to adhere to the school dress code.

"The turnout is really amazing. They're excited," said Megan Haibeck, a student teacher who helped with the effort. "It's like they're shopping."

Dresses became the property of the participants who modeled them at the fashion show and can be worn at the upcoming eighth-grade dance and then graduation. The extras will be saved for next year.

Besides dresses, all participants received a certificate for a manicure from Salon G in Vernon Hills, a quick hair style and a variety of other donated prizes and gifts.

"People baked and did all kinds of things. It was a group effort," Bogenschutz said.

As she did last year, Natalie Ross, daughter of Hawthorn South principal Joy Mullaney, came from Elmhurst to help out. She's not a professional hair stylist, but has a flair.

"I do as many as I can in the time I'm given," she said. "French braids, a little poof in the front or a twist - I give them three options."

The effort was so successful last year that Bogenschutz said she knew she had to do it again.

"Just because it meant so much for the girls and some didn't have the money to buy a special dress," she said before the show, which was open to moms, aunts and grandmas - females only.

"Everybody will walk the runway and strut."