Students from Atlanta Public Schools and Local YMCAs Get Ready for Prom with Help of Lady Hawks, Hawks Staff and Local Vendors
ATLANTA – In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Lady Hawks teamed up with Becca’s Closet – The Ascent Project to host the ‘Say Yes to the Prom Dress’ event at Emory Sports Medicine Complex on Thursday.
At the event, nearly twenty underserved teens from Atlanta Public Schools and local YMCAs were able to select their prom dresses, shoes, and accessories, and participate in different stations for hair and makeup in preparation for their upcoming prom day. On site at the event were members of the Lady Hawks as well as volunteers from the Hawks.
The event was designed to boost self esteem and celebrate unique beauty, fostering a feeling of pride and confidence as students reached a significant high school milestone.
“In teaming up with Becca’s Closet – The Ascent Project, we aspire that these teens can truly savor their memorable night,” said Lady Hawks member Whitney Schmidt, wife of Hawks assistant coach and College Park Skyhawks Head Coach Ryan Schmidt. “It was a heartwarming experience to witness their confidence and happiness shine through. To see how grateful these girls were is really something special.”
The Lady Hawks is a women’s auxiliary group comprised of the wives, significant others, and mothers of Atlanta Hawks players, coaches, and basketball operations staff. To ensure a positive impact on the community, the Lady Hawks focus on ongoing programs in collaboration with organizational partners that support women and youth throughout Atlanta.
During the event, the teens had the opportunity to select their prom dress from a range of formal dresses donated by The Ascent Project and a variety of local donors, with a seamstress on hand to make any necessary dress alterations.
Volunteers from the Lady Hawks, the Atlanta Hawks, and local vendors assisted the students in choosing all their prom essentials at different stations, offering items such as skin care, beauty products, boutonniere-making, jewelry, and more. Additionally, local hair stylists and makeup artists provided guidance and tips on preparing for the special occasion.
“Every year, we eagerly await prom season to witness the delight on students’ faces as they find their perfect dress,” said Jill Mitchell, Becca's Closet – Atlanta Chapter The Ascent Project Organizer. “Collaborating with the Lady Hawks this year has been a fantastic opportunity to enhance our youth’s self-confidence and honor individual beauty.”
Also on site at the event alongside the Lady Hawks and Hawks volunteers were both Miss Georgia 2023, Tara Schiphof, and Ariana Blaize, Miss Georgia North USA, to help assist the teens at the various stations.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Hawks are set to host Women’s Empowerment Night presented by Your Atlanta Area BMW Centers on Monday, March 25. Throughout the game, the Hawks will celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring women’s contributions to the organization, the game of basketball, and the city of Atlanta.
The celebrations will include the graduation of the inaugural class of the She LEADS program as well as the launch of special retro classic varsity jackets from the Lady Hawks and Hawks Shop. To secure tickets for the game, visit Hawks.com/tickets.
For more information about the Lady Hawks, visit Hawks.com/LadyHawks.