The New Hartford High School Special Occasion Closet is sew much more than dresses and pants, it’s about stitching together an inclusive community where every student feels seen, supported, and dressed for success.
The Students for Justice and Equality Club launched the Special Occasion Closet, a resource designed to ensure every student has access to appropriate attire for important events. Whether it’s Junior Prom, Senior Ball, or a formal ceremony, the Special Occasion Closet offers a selection of dresses, jackets, and pants for students to borrow.
“We hope the closet will become a staple in our school, a resource students can rely on for any special occasion, not just dances,” said Caitlin Alt, co-president of the Students for Justice and Equality Club and a senior at New Hartford High School. “Whether it’s an Honor Society induction, a concert, or any event that calls for dressing up, there is a variety of dresses and pants available for anyone who needs them.”
The idea for the Special Occasion Closet was inspired by a conversation that took place at the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities held in Lake Placid. During the event, students talked about ways to improve their schools, sharing ideas on inclusivity and ways to support other students. These conversations sparked the initiative to create a resource where students can borrow semi-formal attire for important occasions.
What began as a simple post in a community Facebook group has blossomed into a closet full of possibilities. Donations from community members, students, and teachers have helped build the Special Occasion Closet. The club used funds from a fundraiser to purchase a clothing rack and hangers to help organize the closet.
“We’re focused on growing the Special Occasion Coset and finding the right space to store and organize the clothing, so every student who needs it can easily access attire for special events,” said Alt.
Building a lasting initiative takes time, dedication, and a strong network of support. The Special Occasion Closest started out as an idea, but through consistency and teamwork, it has grown into something meaningful. Finding teachers and students who believe in the project has been essential in keeping the momentum going and ensuring it continues to expand.
Similarly, initiatives like Positivity Pins, where students share encouraging messages on clothespins show how an idea can evolve into a tradition that strengthens the club’s impact. With each new step, these efforts are laying the foundation for a more inclusive school community, proving small beginnings can lead to lasting change.
“The Students for Justice and Equality Club is a great group of students passionate about making a lasting change, and Cate has been an excellent leader, spearheading the program,” said Mrs. Katelyn Worwa, the Students for Justice and Equality Club adviser and social studies teacher at New Hartford High School.
The club empowers student voices through discussions on inclusion, socioeconomic differences, bias, and social media’s impact. Their commitment to these values extends to initiatives like the Special Occasion Closet, ensuring students have access to semi-formal attire, and Positivity Pins, which encourage uplifting messages. Through advocacy and action, the club fosters a more inclusive and supportive school community.
Students interested in donating clothing, borrowing attire or joining the club can contact Mrs. Worwa for more information.