The Upper School is holding a drive in Manzanita Hall for dresses to support the renowned charity organization “The Princess Project” for the second year from March 3 to March 21.

The Princess Project prides itself on bringing underprivileged high school students the opportunity to attend prom in formal clothing when this might not otherwise be possible for financial reasons or otherwise.

Together, Shannon Hong (10) and Sheridan Tobin (11) are working to make this prospect a reality for students for a second year.

“It’s really to feel beautiful when they’re going to their junior and senior prom, to have fun and experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like everyone else at Harker can,” Shannon said.

According to the Princess Project’s website, the charity drive was launched in 2002 and has faithfully carried on ever since. Its ultimate goal is to promote “self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them.”

In comparison to last year, Shannon outlined several differences in the collection process.

“Last year, we started in early February and ended in early March,” she said. “It’s probably better that we started in March [this year], because Sadies would’ve already happened, and people who bought dresses for Sadies could donate too.”

Shannon and Sheridan also started advertising earlier and more frequently, making use of the new PCR bulletin system as well as the TV screens located around campus. Last year, they received around 28 dresses, and this statistic has carried over as an expectation for this year. Though the two of them also collect accessories, donations of accessories are rarer than the dresses themselves.

“I hope it continues after we graduate because it’s a great cause,” Sheridan said. “In terms of philanthropies, it’s goal is something that’s generally overlooked, but it’s amazing to see how much of a difference just a prom dress can make in the girls’ lives.”

Looking further into the future, Shannon foresees extensions of the Princess Project at the Upper School on multiple levels.

“I think it’s possible that we could bring this to other high schools around the area,” Shannon said. “We could maybe bring a project into those places. I think next year we might start [collecting] shoes.”

Many students enjoy creating a full prom experience for others who are disadvantaged through the drive.

“Even if they can’t afford it, they should still deserve to go to prom and have fun,” Annie Zhou (10) said.

Shannon and Sheridan plan on continuing the charity drive for a long time still.