Students at Wayland Union High School celebrated World Language Week March 25-29 by participating in many different activities to broaden their understanding of world languages.  Students learned a phrase of the day each day, including phrases in Spanish, German, a Liberian tribal language, and American Sign Language.  Students who could repeat the phrase of the day to current world language students at the high school were entered into a raffle to win an M89 Cinema package. 

In addition, ASL (American Sign Language) students had the opportunity to participate in a "silent lunch" with Deaf community members and to attend a Foreign Film Fest after school, hosted by Andrea Allen, Spanish teacher,  and Sarah Rollandini, ASL teacher.  The high school is fortunate to host 13 exchange students this year representing 7 different countries and multiple languages. Students were thrilled to have these activities offered at the high school this year and look forward to expanding the celebration to include more events next year.

World Language Week participants (L to R):  Lisa Helbing (Germany), Kira VandenToorn (ASL student), Saybah Dakel (Liberia), and Esteban Michel (Bolivia)

Fifty young ladies, from around West Michigan, found their dream dress at the Wayland Prom Expo and Dress Sale this past Saturday, March 23, 2013.   The event was coordinated and hosted by representatives of the Junior Class at Wayland Union High Schools (WUHS).   

 “The cost of Prom is rising every year, resulting in an overall decrease in attendance by students across West Michigan,” states Mrs. Karen Gabrielse, Science Teacher and WUHS Junior Class Advisor.  The cost of venue, entertainment, and event insurance is a major concern for all high school budgets.  Most couples split the cost of prom tickets.  But the experience can be overwhelming for families, as the average cost for a couple attending Prom in West Michigan this spring 2013 is $636.00 (GR PRESS, “Prom Brings Big Business”, Article dated March 3, 2013). 

A new prom dress will cost a young lady between $200 -$400 at peak spring season.  This does not include the cost of her shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup for the complete prom look.  Gentlemen are also hit with expensive tuxedo and shoe rental, traditionally pays for the flowers or corsages, and sometimes dinner and transportation cost to and from the event.  

Laurie Barczewski, WUHS Junior Class Mom representative, found a creative way to help families in the community for this year’s Prom.  She reached out to the consignment community and found over 150 gentle used formal dresses in all sizes, styles, and colors.   Dresses were donated or placed up for sale, swap and exchange with proceeds from the event going to the Junior Class and their next year PROM 2014.  “Many of these dresses have expensive designer labels  like David’s Bridal, Sherri Hill, Jovani, Tiffany, and Tony Bowls and were only used once for a wedding or last year’s homecoming and prom,” stated Barczewski.   Future prom-goers were very surprised to find beautiful dresses ranging from $10 to $100 in price tag. 

Many local business vendors exhibited their products and services at the event.  Students had opportunities to sign up and win raffles for hair salon gift certificates, beauty, skin and health care products, win jewelry and a tiara, restaurant vouchers and gas cards.   Men’s Warehouse distributed 50% Discount Cards to young men and couples who pre-booked appointments for tuxedo fittings and rentals.  Flower Artists, from the Water’s Edge of Gun Lake, provided personal consultation to young couples in designing that special silk corsage keepsake and/or memory bracelet to match their prom personality and dress.  Most vendors offered gift bags for raffle, coupons, and major discounts on all preorders.  

Shoppers were also delighted by a live fashion runway show comprising NHS student-athletes from Wayland Union and Hopkins Areas Schools.  The students volunteered time to model the tuxedos and dresses available at the event.

Byron Center HS Mom, Rebecca Dewindt, had a big smile on her face after winning a major salon gift package for her daughter’s special day.  She said, “This event was so much fun….and much like a Bridal Show.  I hope this will continue in the future as I have 3 more daughters coming up!”   The Dewindt’s found two beautiful formal dresses for their upcoming senior celebrations.  They also ordered flowers and rented a tuxedo all for under $200.00.  Dewindt said, “We got some wonderful creative memory ideas for prom night too.  My daughter is now really looking forward to this wonderful time with friends!”