Dress up but stay safe, high schoolers advised

There are many special events in the life of a high school girl, especially prom. Part of the excitement and experience is finding that special dress.Scores of local girls did just that Saturday and they found it in the unlikeliest of places — the Pueblo Police Department.The work place of sleuths that most people generally try to avoid was transformed into a boutique, an impressive showroom for dresses of all styles and colors.Instead of arguing over a parking ticket, the only debate was about size and fit.
The event was "Aware With A Flair," which helped high schoolers with their prom outfits. It also served to educate youth about the importance of being safe on that renowned night of fun.There were numerous booths and activities to educate youth about drinking, driving, sex and sex assault, abduction, domestic violence and the consequences associated with prom night temptations.More than 130 students from 10 area high schools walked out of police headquarters with a prom dress, all which were donated by citizens and local bridal shops.Admin readdresses new code.While the event focused mainly on girls, boys were also able to sign up for free tuxedo rental.
Free limo rides and dinner coupons were given away as door prizes.But before the fittings and prizes, students had to visit each booth and participate in safety activities, which also staged in the department's parking lot."It's all about prom and safety," said Detective Patsy Archuleta, who organized the event with victim advocate Jan Martin and officer Randy Ramos."This has been 10 months in the making. We got a lot of donations," Archuleta, said, putting emphasis on a lot.The idea started with helping impoverished teenagers get dresses for prom. After working with area high schoolers it was decided to expand it so poor kids wouldn't be singled out.
Student volunteers in the participating schools collected names of those who would like to participate."A lot of people were excited. Everyone was like 'Free prom dresses! Cool!'” said Centennial senior Jessica Dismuke, a girl's cabinet member who coordinated the effort at the school and was intrical in Saturday's event.Kym and Dennis Smith donated six dresses worn previously by their daughters. As they entered the department they saw a girl walking out with one of their donations."I'm pretty sure that's one of our dresses," Kym Smith said with slight surprise."I was glad to get rid of them," her husband said. "They were taking up a lot of space."