This week people in the community will have a chance to view some of the latest clothing styles and explore quality Christian education during the annual Blossoms Fashion Show and Dinner.
The fashion show will be April 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Jewel Christian Academy (JCA), 5750 E. 30th St.
Current and former JCA students, mostly from 6th and 7th grades, will model clothing for boys and girls. Participants will also be able to enjoy a catered dinner as well as music from the JCA Orchestra, vocalist Deidre Gray and God’s Compass, a mother and daughter praise dance team.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to display some of their abilities and talents,” said Pastor Michael Bryant, principal of JCA. “It will also help their functional self-esteem because we’re all about promoting the children and helping them to understand that they’re very special. The fashion show is just another way of showing the gifts that God has given to them and that’s what JCA is all about.”
The fashion show is sponsored by Blossoms, a mentoring organization for young ladies who attend JCA, an independent K-6 private school affiliated with Eastern Star Church.
Blossoms, which was established in 2005 by two JCA parents, is committed to teaching girls how to “become young ladies” and form positive friendships.
Since its inception the group has taken girls on several educational and recreational trips, and plans to take them to Kings Island this year. It has also hosted events featuring experts that teach students nutrition, exercise, etiquette and other values.
In addition Blossoms girls have participated in Black History Month programs and community service projects during Christmas.
“Our mission is basically to teach the girls to be caring, confident and competent women,” said Sonh’a Duff, who serves as a Blossoms facilitator along with fellow mentors Carmen Mitchell, Karen Reed and Michele Williams.
This week’s fashion show will help raise funds for future Blossoms activities.
‘We just want to give girls encouragement and support them in what they’re trying to do as far as learning to become ladies, learning about fashion and learning how to raise money for the things they want to do in this entrepreneur type endeavor.”
Stores contributing to the fashion show include T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Talbots, Ladies Fashion and House of Jayne. Dinner will be provided by Jugs Catering.
Bryant noted that the event might help cancel stereotypes that some people have about students in a Christian environment.
“They can see that children in a Christian environment still can have fun. They still can do fun things yet be under a Christian umbrella and enjoy life,” said Bryant. “Our students are not in a fish bowl and separate from the realities of life. They can have fun just like anybody else can.”
Established in 1995, JCA educates students in a 120,000 square foot facility that includes a computer lab, science lab, cafeteria, gymnasium and conference center. The academy currently has 170 students who undergo a rigorous academic program designed to meet their needs spiritually and academically.
The school also has an after care program, numerous clubs, year round athletics and a summer enrichment program.
Bryant encourages people who don’t have a student in JCA to enjoy the event and explore what the school has to offer.
“We offer quality education that prepares our children for the world, not just from a Christian perspective but academically as well,” said Bryant. “It would be a disservice if they didn’t just stop by and find out about the academy. We encourage them to let us share our story and see if JCA is right for their child.”
For more information about the Blossoms Fashion Show or Jewel Christian Academy, call (317) 591-7200.
