EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
Mobile Beta
Merrimack Valley
Fairy tale comes true for local Cinderellas
Published: March 27, 2007
ANDOVER - Like Cinderella, this teenager nixed the idea of going to the ball because she did not have anything to wear.
That was until Krystal Dingler found a fairy godmother who is outfitting her from head to toe for free, so money doesn't get in the way of her May 11 prom at Castleton in Windham, N.H.
"I was upset because it's my last year and I wanted to be with all my friends," said Dingler, 17, a student at Greater Lawrence Technical School. "I would have been disappointed if I didn't go because it's something that I would have never experienced again."
Dingler and 20 classmates will go to the prom in style thanks to Carol Lanni, a monitor at the school. Lanni has organized a program offering area students facing financial hardship prom dresses, accessories and shoes for free. A boutique will be open Saturday to students from Greater Lawrence Technical, Lawrence High and Methuen High.
Contributions are still coming in, but Lanni expects to collect 300 gowns, shoes, handbags and accessories from fellow staff members, friends and members of her motorcycle-riding group and Fairytale Dreams program, a Rhode Island-based company that provides gowns for weddings and proms.
"I got tickets for the prom as soon as I heard about the boutique," said Dingler of Methuen. "I feel so much better because I don't have to worry about anything."
Yesterday, Dingler walked into the fashion design classroom at school. Within minutes, she found a turquoise chiffon gown with applique sequins and pearls attached to the ruffles on the side.
She blushed and smiled coyly as fellow students and teachers complimented on how well the dress fit.
"I felt good because it's nice to hear compliments," said Dingler, who is going to the prom with her boyfriend, Anthony Waite.
Lanni has been working on the project for more than two months. She came up with the idea after talking with students who were skipping the prom because they could not afford it.
Lanni had another reason for wanting to help the girls.
"Everything I wore to my prom was either borrowed or handed down," said Lanni, a Haverhill resident who grew up in a single-parent home in East Boston.
Lanni is not the only staff member at Greater Lawrence Technical School helping out the students.
That was until Krystal Dingler found a fairy godmother who is outfitting her from head to toe for free, so money doesn't get in the way of her May 11 prom at Castleton in Windham, N.H.
"I was upset because it's my last year and I wanted to be with all my friends," said Dingler, 17, a student at Greater Lawrence Technical School. "I would have been disappointed if I didn't go because it's something that I would have never experienced again."
Dingler and 20 classmates will go to the prom in style thanks to Carol Lanni, a monitor at the school. Lanni has organized a program offering area students facing financial hardship prom dresses, accessories and shoes for free. A boutique will be open Saturday to students from Greater Lawrence Technical, Lawrence High and Methuen High.
Contributions are still coming in, but Lanni expects to collect 300 gowns, shoes, handbags and accessories from fellow staff members, friends and members of her motorcycle-riding group and Fairytale Dreams program, a Rhode Island-based company that provides gowns for weddings and proms.
"I got tickets for the prom as soon as I heard about the boutique," said Dingler of Methuen. "I feel so much better because I don't have to worry about anything."
Yesterday, Dingler walked into the fashion design classroom at school. Within minutes, she found a turquoise chiffon gown with applique sequins and pearls attached to the ruffles on the side.
She blushed and smiled coyly as fellow students and teachers complimented on how well the dress fit.
"I felt good because it's nice to hear compliments," said Dingler, who is going to the prom with her boyfriend, Anthony Waite.
Lanni has been working on the project for more than two months. She came up with the idea after talking with students who were skipping the prom because they could not afford it.
Lanni had another reason for wanting to help the girls.
"Everything I wore to my prom was either borrowed or handed down," said Lanni, a Haverhill resident who grew up in a single-parent home in East Boston.
Lanni is not the only staff member at Greater Lawrence Technical School helping out the students.
Fashion design teacher Judy DeLa Cruz and her students have been steaming wrinkles out of dresses, tailoring and redesigning gowns dating from the 1980s.
They include a black-and-silver lace gown with red lining, a black dress in stretch Lycra with an open back and a red dress with a "V" back, decorated with crystal beads and fishnet tail.
Teachers and students in the cosmetology program will be on hand Saturday to give makeup and hair pointers for the big day. Anton Cleaners in Andover has offered to dry-clean some of the dresses.
Senior class adviser Deborah Pelletier said they could not ask for more.
"It's the last time we're all going to be together," Pelletier said. "They're all happy and excited. I know everybody is going to feel like a princess."
If you go:
What: Fairytale Dreams Boutique Day, where students can select prom gowns and accessories free for girls going to the senior prom at their own high school.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Greater Lawrence Technical School, Edward V. Coakley Four Winds Restaurant, 57 River Road, West Andover.
For information, Contact senior class adviser Deborah Pelletier at 978-686-0194, ext. 1036.
Requirements:
Seniors currently enrolled in school and have financial hardship are eligible. Juniors who are going to the prom with a senior can also get a gown if they qualify.
Students must fill out an application.
Student needs a school identification to choose gowns and accessories.
Each girl may bring one adult to help her pick a gown. No children under 12 are permitted. School volunteers also will be on hand for assistance.
