Thursday, April 3, 2025 was a day of sparkle and smiles at Charles D. Owen High School as Universe United Miss North Carolina 2025, Reanna Ruark, turned the school’s media center into a pop-up prom boutique. Through her nonprofit, Shining Through the Storm, Reanna delivered nearly 800 prom dresses - along with shoes, jewelry, and accessories - completely free for students to take home.
“It’s awesome to touch someone’s life with a prom dress,” Reanna said. “It means so much to these girls.”
Dresses came from twelve donation drop-off sites Reanna coordinated. Community members gave generously, with many dresses still sporting original tags. Volunteers- both students and from Shining Through the Storm- helped turn the school into a shopping experience filled with laughter, fitting-room fun, and excited chatter about upcoming prom plans.
“I was excited to come pick a dress,” said senior Ember. “There’s more dress here than in a typical store. I am really grateful we have this opportunity, because dresses can be really expensive.”
Thanks to Reanna’s generosity and the support of the community, dozens of students now have one more reason to smile heading into prom season.
