Art teacher and career facilitator Cathy Rode's fashion design students at Freeport High School were given the opportunity to sketch their way to a future career in a contest sponsored by a local retailer. "You can make this happen for yourself" were the incisive words Ms. Rodes used at the ceremony that revealed the final judging.
First place was deemed a tie between Gissell Diaz-Tineo and Alicia Canas. Gissell's design was named "Regal Fantasy" and Alicia's "As The World Goes Round". Second prize went to Elba Hidalgo for her 'Pretty In Pink', and third place to Khatora Watson for her design called 'Spike It Up'.
Mrs. Lauren Harris, owner of Let's Bag It a bag and accessories boutique in Merrick, had met with the students earlier in the year and encouraged them to put onto paper their design ideas for a thematic handbag and matching hat, shoes and outfit. Mrs. Harris awarded the top winners a designer bag and arranged for them to serve an internship with the Sondra Roberts company, a high fashion handbag and accessory design house in Manhattan.
The top designs were displayed in the school lobby and critiqued by Mrs. Harris and her junior buyer and daughter, Julien for creativity, salability, target customers, materials used, and price point.
This is an example of just one of the opportunities Freeport High School provides for students to make connections from education to career experiences.
