‘60s themed fashion show celebrates Summit School’s 60th!

by Wendy Singer

The Summit School gym was buzzing with excitement on April 23 as a full house of guests anxiously awaited to be thrown back in time to experience a ‘60s themed fashion show. With music that gets everyone’s toes tapping and flower power decorating every wall, it was time to dim the lights and have some fun.

The “Welcome to the ‘60s” fashion show got off to a great start with fabulous MCs Alessia Iglio, Ralph Odones and Zachary Kruse, all Summit School students, who warmed up the crowd with their fun banter delivered with impeccable timing and kept the show rolling throughout the two hours.

Over 40 Summit students took their turn dancing and prancing down the catwalk, striking poses as they modeled outfits donated by a multitude of suppliers, such as Moores and Le Château. The energy, shout-outs and clapping from family and friends in the audience encouraged them to strut their best stuff at each corner of the runway. Summit School staff-turned-show producers Bena Finkelberg, senior principal; Adina Superstein, educational consultant; and Tara Saxe, social worker were fully supportive of their stars and were clearly having a great time dancing along with them.

In a video taken after the team’s first rehearsal, Finkelberg shared how happy the students were to be participating in their first fashion show. That energy carried through to show day. “The event was incredible,” she said. “We gave students who are often not showcased an opportunity to shine. They felt so wonderful. One boy tried on his suit and said he felt like a movie star.”

What began as a small show grew into a successful fundraiser, raising $15,000 for Summit School’s summer day camp, which provides students the opportunity to build skills and self-confidence during the summer months within a safe context.

“It was such a beautiful event,” added Finkelberg. “The kids were amazing!”