Teen displays his model behavior

Drew Dolan, 16, a junior at Berlin Central High School, is used to being in the spotlight as a basketball player. On March 12, however, he will be in a new set of lights as a tuxedoed escort for girls modeling prom dresses.

Drew, a Confirmation candidate at St. John Francis Regis parish in Grafton, was invited by his high school counselor to apply for a spot in the Capital District Teen Model Search, held last month in Albany.

They were looking for young men to accompany about 40 models of dresses and gowns in a fashion exposition.

Chosen one

"I showed up, stood on a stage and spoke to some judges. They told me I would be one of the models," Drew said.

The six-foot hoopster was one of 45 high school students selected to participate in the 2006 Prom Expo.

Proceeds benefit the Cinderella Project of the Capital District, an organization that collects used gowns and accessories to give to needy teens so they can attend their proms.

Asking for help

Part of Drew's responsibility began long before the show: He is soliciting donations from businesses for one of the "boutique days," when girls are invited to "shop" for accessories and gowns, which are given to them for free.

"So far, I've got about eight donations and checks from local businesses," he told The Evangelist. "I've been going to hair salons, florists -- any stores I think might be interested in helping the project help girls. I also have promises of donations of gowns.

"We're also asked to share the story of the Cinderella Project in our school," which he did by asking his peers to donate used dresses.

On the runway

At the Expo, Drew will escort girls who will model new dresses by Alyce Designs. He's one of only five young men with that role.

"It's going to be pretty hectic," he said.

("We encourage all of our kids to participate in on-going service projects that interest them," said Vici Armsby, director of religious education at St. Francis Regis parish, Grafton. "Drew is a young man of faith who is always willing to help. What's really neat about this whole thing is that he's willing to walk his own path, and that is not necessarily the path that boys his age will often take. We're very proud of him. He's our own local Prince Charming." For information on the Cinderella Project, visit www.cinderellaproject.net. To donate a gown, contact Jen O'Neil at Berlin High School, 658-2515, ext. 208. For information on the Prom Expo at the Desmond Hotel, Albany, noon-4 p.m., March 12, call 640-6071. Teens can get into the show for free if they bring a gown; otherwise, admission is $5.)

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