WS Chronicle

Local high school students had the opportunity to pick out a prom dress for free last weekend thanks to Winston-Salem native and Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin. 

Franklin said the idea for the gown giveaway was sparked a few years ago but was put on hold due to the pandemic. More than 100 brand new gowns were donated by Jovani, the same designer who dressed Franklin when she was crowned Miss America, and English’s Bridal, which is located in Clemmons. 

Franklin said after seeing how successful the event was last year, they decided to do it again. 

“We just saw the impact that it had last year and the smiles that it brought to all these young women’s faces and we wanted to do it again,” Franklin said.

“I feel like if I have the impact and capacity to help people out and spread the love in our community, then I definitely want to do that.”

In addition to the gowns, during the giveaway held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, those who pre-registered also received items from Red Aspen Cosmetics.

When helping the girls pick a gown, Franklin said she encourages them to find something they feel confident in. “It’s all about your confidence, it doesn’t matter if it’s a black dress, white dress … it’s all about you and how you feel in the dress,” she said. 

“You want to feel like yourself. You don’t want to wear something just because someone else says that looks good on you. You have to believe it looks good on you.”