Marion Senior High FBLA launches free Prom Shop to ensure equitable access to prom 2026
Marion Senior High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently demonstrated the power of community partnership and student leadership through the creation of a special initiative designed to ensure that every student who wishes to attend prom has the opportunity to do so.
In preparation for the school’s 2026 prom, FBLA members began encouraging fellow students to participate in this milestone of the high school experience. During these conversations, club members learned that some students were hesitant to attend due to financial challenges or limited resources for purchasing formal attire. Recognizing this need, FBLA students and advisors began discussing ways to remove those barriers and make prom accessible to everyone.
From those conversations, the idea for a free Prom Shop was born.
With the goal of providing students with formal attire at no cost, FBLA members worked with Marion Senior High School faculty and community partners to bring the vision to life. Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members, the Prom Shop quickly developed into an opportunity for students to select dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories for the upcoming prom.
The FBLA extended a special thank you to Ernie Sullin's Clothing, which has long supported Marion Senior High School and its students. The business donated men’s suits, dress shirts, and ties to ensure that young men attending prom had access to the attire they needed for the special evening.
Equally meaningful was the support of longtime Smyth County residents Richard Saufley and Ann Saufley, along with their son Chris Saufley. The Saufley family, former property and business owners in downtown Marion, wished to give back to the community they have long called home. Their donation of formal dresses, shoes, and additional garments helped ensure that young ladies attending prom had options to choose from. The family shared their hope that this effort would leave a lasting impression and create a meaningful legacy for current and future generations of Marion Senior High School students.
Additional support came from the Marion Rotary Club and its members. Their contributions exceeded expectations and proved to be a blessing for the Prom Shop initiative.
FBLA members also extended a heartfelt thank you to Communities In Schools and Marion Senior High School’s own Karen Gattuso, who played an instrumental role in communicating with local businesses and the Marion Rotary Club, helping coordinate and organize the FBLA Prom Shop for 2026.
The FBLA chapter also recognized Tina Frazier for offering free prom dresses to students in recent years. Her classes did outstanding work as they contributed in helping expand this year’s shop with additional dresses, men’s wear, and jewelry. Frazier’s students worked diligently to hang garments, sort items, and create an organized inventory for the shop. Their attention to detail and dedication helped ensure that everything was prepared and ready for students on the day of the event.
In addition, Ms. Prescott’s computer classes played an important role in supporting the organization of the Prom Shop. Using the inventory created by Frazier’s students, Prescott’s classes developed spreadsheets that allowed FBLA members and volunteers to track available items throughout the event. Their work provided an added level of efficiency and organization that helped the Prom Shop run smoothly.
Through these combined efforts, the Prom Shop successfully provided formal attire for numerous students, helping ensure that more members of the Marion Senior High School community could participate in one of the most memorable events of the school year.
The FBLA chapter expressed sincere appreciation to the many businesses, civic clubs, faculty members, and community supporters who helped make this initiative possible. Without their generosity and willingness to invest in the students of Marion Senior High School, the Prom Shop would not have become the success that it was.
MSHS FBLA members said they are proud of the impact the Prom Shop had on their school community and are already looking forward to building on this success in the future.
The Marion Senior High School FBLA Club extended its gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this meaningful event possible and looks forward to continuing the tradition with the 2027 Prom Shop next year.
