A student-driven effort to make prom more accessible is gaining new momentum at Midlakes High School, where a longstanding dress-sharing program is being revived and reintroduced to a new generation.
Mallorie Rogers, a senior at Midlakes, is leading a renewed push to promote the school’s “Eagle’s Nest” initiative, which offers free ball gowns to students who might otherwise skip formal events due to cost.
The program began in 2021 as a Girl Scout Gold Award project led by Lyndsey Wright, who set out to remove financial barriers tied to prom and other school dances. At the time, more than 200 gowns were donated, creating a collection that has remained housed at the high school in a designated space known as the “Eagle’s Nest.”
Over the years, the program evolved, including the addition of a private dressing area through a Girl Scout Silver Award project by Allison DeRuyter. But Rogers said awareness of the resource had faded, prompting her to take action after rediscovering the collection while working at the school last summer.
Rogers approached school administrators about relaunching the program and expanding access ahead of this year’s spring formal events. With support from faculty, including math teacher Erin Everson, she has organized a first “shopping day” for students on April 23, with additional dates under consideration.
Organizers say the goal is to create a more welcoming and flexible experience, allowing students to browse available gowns with friends or by appointment. Interest has grown quickly in recent weeks as Rogers has spread the word among classmates.
The dresses, many of which were donated locally, range widely in style and design, including formal gowns that would typically cost hundreds of dollars at retail. Donations are still being accepted through the school, though organizers say they are seeking items suited for formal events.
School officials say the program reflects a broader effort to ensure all students can participate in milestone experiences like prom without financial strain.
Those interested in learning more or contributing to the program can contact organizers through the school.
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