Sandy Proves No Match for Morning Madness

Story and Photos by Rosemary Leonetti

As an annual harbinger to the spring prom season, for more than a decade Long Beach High School seniors have been donning the latest in eveningwear to take to the stage for the Morning Madness Fashion Show.
 
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Students participate in this event each year to help the Parent Teacher Student Association raise money and awareness for the annual substance-free Morning Madness After-Prom Party in June. Since so many students were displaced by Hurricane Sandy, the PTSA was worried that attendance at the annual fashion show might be down, but a record number of seniors signed up to strut their stuff, modeling the latest prom fashions in the name of Morning Madness. Bolstered by the seniors’ enthusiasm, the PTSA managed to bring in a near record number of fashion show attendees to support this worthy cause.

This year, more than ever, the PTSA is counting on proceeds from the fashion show to fund its annual Morning Madness Post-Prom event. Every year for the past 22 years, through a series of fundraising events, the PTSA has been paying for every high school senior to attend this all-night post-prom party, giving away a brand-new car and other prizes. But in the aftermath of Sandy, they were not able to hold two of their biggest fundraisers. So they were counting very heavily on the proceeds from the Fashion Show to give this year’s graduating class – who has already faced such adversity – a morning of madness to remember.

With the support of prom adviser Adriene Glassberg and choreographer Maria Perrone, Morning Madness committee chairs Betsy Glazer, Randi Andosca, Linda Birnbaum, Rhonda Healy, Linda Morgenstern and Ann Marie Scandole saw to every detail, making sure that this would be an unforgettable night for the seniors and their families.

Before the show, parents and friends enjoyed an Aussie-style feast, donated by Outback Steakhouse of Island Park, as the high school string ensemble provided musical entertainment. While the seniors were busy backstage completing their transformations from typical teenagers to glamorous runway models, committee chair Glazer expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the night a reality.

“Two months ago, we didn’t know if we would be standing here tonight,” Glazer said. “But with the support of the faculty and the help of more than 20 volunteers, we were determined to make sure that our seniors will have the night they deserve. Special thanks go out to our diamond sponsor Outback Steakhouse and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Rosenthal, as well as the Long Beach Classroom Teachers Association, Long Beach Herald, Hon. Warren Vegh and Irene Rabinor.”

Seniors Rob Delury, Paola Servellon, Michelle Skripko and Victor Tarantino acted as masters of ceremonies for the evening, announcing each couple as they paraded down the runway in glittering gowns and tuxedos. A record number of 160 seniors took part in this gala event.

Gowns and tuxedos were provided courtesy of Runway Couture of Bellmore, Femmena Dress Boutique of Lynbrook, Bridal Reflections and Snider’s Formal Wear. Teacher Maria Perrone once again choreographed the show, including the surprise finale in which all 160 students gathered on the stage together, providing a spectacular photo-op for family and friends.

Morning Madness is an alcohol- and drug-free all-night party that provides seniors with a fun, safe and free place to continue their celebration after the prom. The party, which is open to all seniors, features food, music and raffle prizes. The grand prizes, raffled off at the end of the evening, are a Netbook, a flat-screen TV and a brand-new car. Students must be present at the time of the raffle in order to be eligible to win these grand prizes – a powerful incentive to stay all night.

Even after the success of the fashion show, which raised $9,000, the PTSA still has a long way to go to reach its fundraising goals to be able to make June’s Morning Madness Post-Prom Party a success. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation to Morning Madness is invited to contact the Long Beach High School PTSA at 516-897-2012.