I am a senior at Cape Henlopen High School, taking my second year of the fashion studies program. When the news came that the State of Delaware canceled this offering under Career Tech Ed, I was utterly disappointed. I am writing to request help in preserving this valuable program.
I am a creative person with interest in filmmaking, theater and writing. To expand my creativity in my sophomore year, I decided to take fashion with the expectation of developing sewing skills. While my initial goal was simple, my teacher would not allow me to settle for just skills acquired. She taught me to think of fashion as a field that shaped my creativity in a way that I will use for the rest of my life. This expanded knowledge of creative thinking has enriched my perspective as an artist. We don't just sew; we repurpose, redirect and redefine. Currently, I am making over a thrifted and very dated suit jacket into something more feminine and chic. Using recycled garments to create and transform styles inspires individuality and creativity that needs to be showcased in fashion shows.
There is a kind of power surge felt when I see a design in my mind come to life. That feeling has fueled my drive to learn more and explains why I signed up to take two fashion classes in my schedule this year. I feel confident that I can create any design. It is also exciting to have my family be so proud to see development as an artist through fashion.
As a senior, next year a new chapter in my life will begin, and I won't be at Cape anymore. What I learned in my fashion classes will stay with me for life. It is my hope that the future freshmen who enroll in Cape can be lucky enough to be in the collaborative, creative and empowering atmosphere that Mrs. Aiken creates for her students. Our community should not allow this program to disappear from the offerings for a future generation of students. We should instead provide more outlets for inspiration and creativity. My classmates should not be the last to experience this. Please hear my still-developing voice as I ask for your help in encouraging the school district to find solutions for how to keep our fashion program inspiring the future generations at Cape Henlopen High School.
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