STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some 600 members of the St. Joseph Hill Academy family gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Wednesday to partake in the Arrochar school’s 27th annual fashion show — an evening filled with camaraderie, community spirit, creativity and class.
Once again unique designer fashions ripped the runway as high-style couture models — including Kelly Grunther, Carrie Navarro, Jennifer Perry, Sumayah, and Alexandra Psomas and our own, Ashley Marie Davis, Miss Excelsior 2018, — showcased ensembles thanks to Just B Boutique, the innovative Dongan Hills shop where Justine Pugliese offers a trendy, fashion-forward line of clothing and accessories.
The largest fundraiser of the year, continues to bring the school community together year after year.
The evening also served as a way to celebrate graduates who walked the runway themselves, and in what served as a heartfelt moment, met their moms, whom they in turn presented with a pretty pink rose.
On offer were sparkly baskets and super baskets galore, chock-full of mega-prizes, giveaways and a slew of gift certificates.
In her welcoming remarks Sister Mary Coffelt, provincial superior, noted:
“Welcome to all here tonight. And what an awesome night this is. Without your support we wouldn’t be here this evening. We know how important Catholic education is. And thank you for helping us with the mission of the Daughters of Divine Charity.”
Lawrence Hansen, principal of the school, who just happened to be celebrating his birthday Wednesday, echoed Sister Mary Coffelt’s words in saying:
“Thanks to all of your for showing your support of St. Joseph Hill Academy. An evening like this happens through the hands of our dedicated workers, volunteers and co-chairs. I applaud all of you here tonight.”
He added:
“This is my first fashion show as principal of the school. Tonight’s event isn’t simply about raising money for our beloved school, but rather one of celebrating who we are as a school community. It’s about all of us gathering together united in the knowledge that we love these students, your children, and being committed to doing everything we can to help them succeed, and we can have fun at the same time.”
It was a bittersweet event for Cathy Fleming who co-chaired the event along with Jessica Seneca. The evening served as her “final curtain,” inasmuch as her daughter Julia, will be graduating this year.
“Thank you to all our family and friends for donating a basket, taking a journal ad, donating their time, buying raffles, or just attending. It’s because of you that our fashion show is such a success. And a huge thank you to Mr. Hansen, Mr. Acanfora, Mr. Pucilla and members of the executive counsel and journal and basket chairs for doing an outstanding job. This is my final curtain and I will surely miss it.”
Kudos then — in addition to all of the above-mentioned names — to those who made it all happen so well:
Jennifer Mistretta, Rose Hartman, Silvana Sheikowitz, Teresa Conforte, Stacey Montanti, Nadine Nemr, Rachel Browning, Lauren Prendanamo, Rose McCallion, Danielle Leonardo, and Lisa Riccardi.
And if we omitted any names, we apologize!
Enjoy our fun photo gallery of fashionistas who flaunted high style on the West Shore!
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