K is for Kids’ Teen Fashion Show is months in the making as its young organizers oversee a team of students to plan all aspects of the show, including photography, videography, refreshments, silent auction, stage design, lighting, and music, well in advance of the models signing up.
This year, Andrew Carless, a senior at Barron Collier High School, served as the lead photographer. With four student photographers (and all of them new to the craft) uploading hundreds of photographs for review, the task was huge.
Here are some of the top picks with captions and more photos to come soon – so check back again! And if you have photos of the show, we invite you to share them with us! Email to Karen@kisforkids.org or call 239-596-KIDS(5437).
Co-chairs Amy Teran, a senior at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and Jose Chang, a sophomore at Gulf Coast High School in a tuxedo by Men’s Wearhouse. Photo by K is for Kids
Sara Alessi, a senior at Lely High School and one of K is for Kids’ top student leaders and spokesperson, in Rouze; Jaxon Teliz, Barron Collier High School in Cape Madras, and Jaedyn Procacci, Gulf Coast High School in PGA Tour Superstore. Photo by Karla Serrano, Lorenzo Walker Technical High School.
Kiana Laurie, a student at Gulf Coast Charter Academy, in bridesmaid’s gown from Udene’s Bridal Boutique. Photo by Karla Serrano, Lorenzo Walker Technical High School.
Karen Fernandez, a student at Laurel Oak Elementary School, in Lilly Pulitzer. Photo by Andrew Carless, a student at Barron Collier High School.
Justin Damiano, from Comcast’s Government Affairs – Florida Region, poses with Jose Chang, a sophomore at Gulf Coast High School and the fashion show’s event co-chair. Both Justin and Comcast were honored with K is for Kids’ Shining Star Awards for the years of support to the young foundation.
Sydney Johnson, a student at Gulf Coast Charter Academy, in tuxedo by Men’s Wearhouse. Photo by Thana Productions.
Children are an important part of the show, setting the fun tempo and adding lots of sparkle and shine. Lining up for the curtain call, after the parents finish snapping their pics, the kids will join their families in the audience, to watch and cheer on the teens.
Gulf Coast High students Armand Procacci and Jaryn Pellant sing a duet. Photo by Thana Productions.
Sierra Ryan, a student at Big Cypress Elementary School, in Lu Lu Belle. Photo by Andrew Carless, a senior at Barron Collier High School.
Jasmine Saldan, a student at Lely High School with model name to be added in Simply Natural. Photo by Annalise Rierkerk, a student at Gulf Coast High School.
Paul Mitchell The School-Ft. Myers Team of Stylists. Photo by Karla Serrano, Lorenzo Walker Technical High School
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Rose Anthony, a student at Gulf Coast High School, in accessories by Ooh La La! Photo by Thana Productions.
Peyton Grim, of Gulf Coast Charter Academy, in Lu Lu Belle. Photo by Andrew Carless, a senior at Barron Collier High School.
Ana Chang, a student at Laurel Oak Elementary, blows a kiss to the audience. Photo by Andrew Carless, a senior at Barron Collier High School.
Moms and daughters, with the exception of the show’s youngest participant, 18 mos. old Maks at far left, pause for a photo before the show. Photo by K is for Kids.
During the reception and silent auction, guests snacked on treats backed by the Culinary Department of Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and College.
After the show, Gulf Coast High School classmates Serena Truong and Aditii Makwana learn how to calculate proceeds. The show netted over $18,500 and set a record for the most students engaged (over 130) and books collected. Although the unique teen charity fun’raiser focuses on giving students a project to apply their business and communication skills while boosting children’s confidence and self esteem, it also teaches the important of good project management and keeping an eye on the bottom line. Photo by K is for Kids.
Student leaders from local high schools organized the show with the help of college student advisors.