By Luna Cuervo
Clammy hands, racing heart beats and nervous eyes surround the backstage in the auditorium as the models prepare to walk down the stage at the annual prom fashion show.
On Friday, April 1st, Oyster River High School will be holding the annual Relay for Life Fashion Show. The show gives students the opportunity to see different kinds of dresses and tuxes on kids their age and adults, such as teachers. This year the show will be dedicated to former English teacher, Martin Brewer, who passed away due to cancer this past fall. The money collected from the show goes to Relay for Life, an organization that helps many people struggling with cancer and goes towards research.
It wasn’t until the fall of 2015 that Liz Paquette (’16) experienced what it was like to lose someone to cancer. “Now, I relay to prevent losing amazing people like Mr. Brewer,” explains Paquette.
Brewer’s death was a tough time for the Oyster River community, which is why this year the show will be dedicated to him. “[Brewer] touched the lives of so many people it only seems fitting that we acknowledge him in some way with the event, even if it just meant picking a theme he would’ve loved” said Payal Nanda (’16).
The show is the biggest fundraiser for Relay for Life, a non-profit cancer research organization. The show is prepared and run by teacher Susan Wilkinson and coordinators Payal Nanda, Colleen Todd, Liz Paquette and Luna Cuervo. 58 members of Relay for Life will walk the runway on April 1st, each with their own reason as to why they do Relay.
Todd (’16), joined Relay for Life because of her uncle. “He passed away last August and helping out with Relay as much as I can helps me feel like I’m contributing to those that have and have had cancer,” says Todd.
Others do it to help the community is general. “I relay because I enjoy helping others. I’ve always been that person who enjoyed giving gifts more than getting them. That’s originally why I joined Relay,” says Paquette.
There will also be live music from Dave Ervin’s jazz ensemble, something that has never been done in previous shows. “I have no idea what Mr. Ervin has prepared for the group so it will be a surprise for everyone!” says Wilkinson.
The attending people should expect a fun time with live music, attractive models and a great opportunity to put money towards a good cause. “People should go to the show to watch their friends model and be comical on stage, as well as enjoy good music and support Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society” says Todd.
This year the theme of the show is ‘Born in the USA’. The audience should expect beautifully colored dresses, scenic sets based on real cities, lots of energy and live music.
“People should go to the show to watch their friends model and be comical on stage, as well as enjoy good music and support Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society” explains Paquette.