Sparkle on: Jewels program transitions to school-based prom closets

By Staff Reports  

Picking out the perfect prom dress is somewhat of a rite of passage for many young women in high school – but for some girls and their families, it’s too much of a financial stretch. That’s a gap the Jewels program has worked to bridge for more than a decade, and the effort has continued to evolve every year. 

Founded in 2012 by Sarah Morris, owner of The Something Blue Shoppe in Hartselle, Jewels has provided high-end prom gowns and accessories to young women in Morgan and Lawrence counties who otherwise could not afford them. 

Prom dresses are displayed for young women to peruse.  Photos by Jennifer Sherwood.

When Lang Rose Sims was 15 years old, she applied for a job at The Something Blue Shoppe. Sims spent more than 13 years working there, learning from a team of inspiring women who shaped her into the person she is today. In 2012, Morris called together a group of volunteers, including Sims, to brainstorm a way to repurpose the overflow of prom gowns and help local girls who needed assistance. That’s when the Jewels program was born. 

“Jewels was formed to aid young women who aspired to achieve the scholastic and social goals set before them, but were in situations that prevented them from affording prom attire,” Morris said.  

Lang Rose Sims speaks to a participant in the Jewels program in 2023. Photos by Jennifer Sherwood.

“We knew there were girls in our community who wanted to attend prom, but couldn’t afford a new gown,” Sims added. “We coordinated with school representatives to identify girls who demonstrated academic achievement, outstanding character, and a need for assistance.” 

“I estimate that we’ve helped around 450-500 girls since the beginning,” Sims added. “These young women walked into our ‘prom shop,’ surrounded by women who lifted them up, made them feel special, and helped them find the perfect dress. It was a moment to show them that they matter.” 

Each year, volunteers would set up the event, assist with the dress fittings, and ensure that the girls walked away with more than just a gown. The experience also became a chance to provide encouragement for their futures. 

“It is a very rewarding and satisfying experience to help a struggling, deserving teenager. It has been my privilege to be a supporting member of this group” Morris said. “I’m so appreciative of this opportunity and of the volunteers who worked tirelessly year after year to produce the event.” 

A new chapter 
As with many organizations, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic affected participation. While Jewels typically sent out 75 or more invitations per year, attendance has declined in recent years. In 2024, only about 15 girls attended, sparking the program’s organizers to rethink the  approach. 

“After careful reflection, we realized that some things are meant to be for a season,” Sims said. “Jewels has had an incredible run, and its mission has been accomplished. But we still see a need and want to continue providing support.” 

Moving forward, the program will be transitioning its remaining inventory of gowns to local schools, offering them the opportunity to create their own Jewels prom closets. School representatives will work to ensure that deserving young women still can attend prom in a beautiful new gown. 

“We’re reaching out to local schools to see if they would like to continue the Jewels legacy,” Lang said. “This way, the community can carry the torch forward, and we’ll ensure that young women in our area continue to have something beautiful to wear for one of the most special nights of their high school experience.”