Deer Park Fashion Students Create Dress for Breast Cancer Awareness

Two fashion design students at Deer Park High School decided to honor October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by creating a unique tribute and work of art.

Supported by Rita Murphy, their fashion design teacher, Alex Posillico and Ada Ramirez made a special breast cancer dress using only a mannequin and pink paper ribbons provided by the school’s SADD club.

“We wanted people to be aware of breast cancer issues,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner-Kempski, “and to know that you can have breast cancer and still be beautiful.”

When inspiration struck the two seniors, they forged ahead without a definite plan and despite never having attempted a similar project.

“It just happened as we went along,” said Ramirez, who explained that the dress took two-and-a-half school periods to complete. 

“I was very glad to be a volunteer and have the experience of doing something for breast cancer,” she added.

Both students were recognized for their artistic achievement at the November Board of Education meeting. Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen said, “They did an outstanding job – what creativity!”

Posillico and Ramirez both plan to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City next year. 

Info/photo courtesy of Greg Fasolino/Syntax