Superstars Under the Lights
Okay, so it was one of those things that sounded great when you agree to it but as it draws nearer you start begrudging the loss of a Saturday afternoon to a work event.
Through my role at Metro United Way, I work with our agencies around their outcomes and change in client’s lives in a formal review process. So I also try to find non-traditional ways to interact with our agencies; like squirt gun fights or cornhole tournaments as the opportunities arise. Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies invited me to be a “Community Escort” for their 7th Annual Holiday Fashion Show. I agreed.
Upon arriving at DuPont Manual High School it looked like disorganized chaos. Lining the hallways were dolled up youth, uniformed cheerleaders, spiffed up escorts and family with gobs of flashing lights and hugs for models. But as show time approached and the parents got out of the line-up of models and into their seats the chaos abated. It was now 4 schools worth of cheerleaders, 30 plus models and 30 plus escorts.
The darling model I was paired with, Summer, had on a purple swishy dress, black fur cape, sparkly sandals and a grin from ear to ear. Cheerleader and I kept her distracted as we waited our turn. Summer had perfected her stage move. Upon cue she would raise her left arm and wave, raise her right arm and wave, drop both hands to her ankles for her bow – all while seated in her wheelchair. This movement was quite a feat considering her physical limitations. All went well – she was a superstar and we parted ways.
Jan and Summer
More than once I was brought to tears by how excited these kids were to be on center stage. They had not had the chance to be star basketball player or cheerleader or last man standing in dodge ball or the lead in the school play. This was their moment to strut their stuff and they had a plan. One after another had their signature way to greet the crowd. Some broke out in a dance, some did pirouettes and spins, others did bows and hip throwing poses. I was especially touched when they noted a model that 2 years ago arrived on stage in a wheel chair, one year ago was on stage with crutches and this year was walking freely.
These are some fragile kids and it took a lot of effort for parents to get them outfitted though Macy sponsored clothes, practice the night before and time all their needs so they could be ready to strut their stuff. Seemed like everyone had a ball and I quickly forgot about my alternate Saturday plans and stayed until the end to enjoy all the stars for their moment of fame.
