Big Brothers Big Sisters 'Diva for a Day' Eases Anxieties, Raises Confidence and Excitement for Prom

Teenage Little Sisters, accompanied by their caring Big Sisters, had fun playing dress up at the recent Diva for a Day event. The annual activity offers Little Sisters a unique opportunity to prepare for prom. Diva for a Day is organized by the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) and is hosted by Weissman Designs for Dance.  

Every year, thousands of young women across the St. Louis area look forward to the one night in their lives when they can dress up in fancy gowns and dance the night away with their high school friends at prom. One of the last formal dances of the year, prom is an important night for many teens as they celebrate the final days of the school year and bid farewell to their senior counterparts. As joyful and fun as prom can be, it can create a great deal of angst for many teens, as they look at the expense of this special occasion and wonder where they will find the resources to make their dreams a reality. And that’s where Diva for a Day comes in – an event that works to ease the anxieties of high school age Little Sisters who are hoping to attend prom.

Offering more than the perfect dress, Diva for a Day is a pre-prom enterprise where young women are treated to a host of fun activities to ensure they are fully prepared for their end-of-year dances. Diva for a Day participants select their gowns and accessories and then get their hair, makeup and nails done before concluding the afternoon with a professional photo shoot.

Danielle Valleroy, the BBBSEMO staffer who played a key role in planning the effort, expressed her thanks to the many volunteers who made the day a meaningful time for all who attended. Special appreciation was extended to Lauren Weissman Kerner, of Weissman Dance, for providing the venue; the team at Grabber School of Hair Design, who provided the professional hair, makeup and nails; and Kristina Cipolla, who photographed the Divas and their Big Sisters.

A thanks was also extended to those who donated dresses for the event, with a special nod to customers of the Chesterfield Valley Starbucks who participated in a dress drive for Diva for a Day.