Art student helps deserving teens attend prom

Approximately 150 Stockton high school students will get to attend their prom this year, thanks in part to Pacific student Monica Odeh ‘19.

Odeh, a freshman majoring in graphic design, wasn't aware of the impact she would have on the local community when she applied for an internship through Pacific's Career Resource Center.

"I was looking for a public relations position and decided to apply to the first one I matched with," said Odeh.

She matched with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, a local nonprofit that provides prom dresses, tuxedo rentals, styling services and dinner for deserving girls and boys who otherwise could not afford to attend their high school prom.

"Monica had a spark about her and I just knew she would be a perfect fit," said Jacqueline Faylor, founder of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo. When Faylor started the nonprofit five years ago, she had no idea how much it would grow. This year, the nonprofit served 150 students (approximately 100 girls and 50 boys) from 16 schools.

For Odeh, the internship struck a personal chord. "I didn't have a very good prom experience. I remember how difficult it was to find a dress and get help with my hair and makeup. I want these kids to have a better experience than I did."

Odeh put her art skills to use designing a logo for the nonprofit and the award certificates for the selected students. She also held a dress drive at the Vereschaigin Alumni House. Most importantly, she kept in contact with each student and their parents, coordinating dress and tuxedo pick-ups, scheduling hair and makeup appointments, making dinner reservations and sending out reminders for each appointment.

"We want the students to feel like princes and princesses and Monica has the special ability to do that," said Faylor.

If the number of happy texts and selfies Odeh and Faylor receive from students on prom night is any indication, they really are making wishes come true.

"All the students are so thankful and appreciative and it makes me so happy knowing that I helped give them that feeling," said Odeh.

To learn more about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, visit the website at BBBProm.org.