Ferbruary 20, 2025 – West High School seniors DaMaria Burse-Wilborn and Elizabeth Lara-Andrix dedicated six weeks to orchestrating the highly anticipated West High prom fashion show. However, if you ask their classmates, their hard work and vision have been in motion for much longer.

“Everyone thinks we’ve been best friends since forever,” Burse-Wilborn said.

Having met this past summer and playing on the soccer team this past summer, the fashion show is their most-recent collaboration. Burse-Wilborn and Lara Andrix’s latest project, directing and producing their school’s prom fashion show culminated the school’s Relationship Week by highlighting collaboration among staff, students and community partners. 

After West received a donation of 350 prom dresses for the school’s annual prom dress giveaway, students suggested showcasing the dresses in a fashion show involving students, staff, and community partners who contributed. The idea was for the show to be student-led, and West High School social worker Joanna Orozco immediately thought of two students who would be perfect for the task.

“With their work ethic and their academic abilities, they are amazing kids,” Orozco said. “When they say they are going to do something, I know they are going to do it.”

Oakmont Elementary School students were transported back in time as they watched in awe while instrumentalist Priscilla Herreid unveiled a fascinating collection of instruments from the 1500s and 1600s. With the enchanting sounds of Renaissance-era bagpipes and recorders filling the air, she and her band introduced the students to wind instruments, the shawms and krumhorns—the “grandfathers” of modern oboes and crumhorns.Impressed by the downtown Columbus production, Orozco approached the duo about organizing the prom fashion show.

After being approached in January, Burse-Wilborn and Lara-Andrix got to work. They recruited 30 students, including sophomores, juniors, freshmen, and staff members. 

While Burse-Wilborn and Lara-Andrix knew all the student models, they realized many of the students were unfamiliar with each other. To build camaraderie, the duo organized an introduction session. Initially hesitant, the students gradually opened up, and new friendships began to form.

“We have all these students who don’t normally hang out with each other hanging out with each other,” Burse-Wilborn said.

More importantly, students collaborated effectively. Some secured donated suits, while others gathered dresses. Participants helped each other with fittings and planned their runway walks.

Throughout the process, Lara-Andrix and Burse-Wilborn solidified their teamwork dynamic—Burse-Wilborn envisioned the big picture while Lara-Andrix executed the plan.

“She comes up with the ideas, and I just kind of get people to do it,” Lara-Andrix said.

Students and staff took to the West High School stage, each wearing vibrant outfits in every color, walking with confidence as the auditorium erupted in applause. Staff members received boisterous, while Burse-Wilborn and Lara-Andrix received a resounding ovation for their leadership in bringing everything together.

“They deserve this opportunity as they prepare to exit high school,” Orozco said.

As the curtain closed on the prom fashion show, it was clear that the event was about more than just dresses and runway walks—it was a celebration of connection, teamwork, and empowerment. Serving as the grand finale to Relationship Week, the show embodied the very essence of building bonds and uplifting one another.