By David Karas | Correspondent

For many high school students, attending a junior or senior prom is one of the most significant milestones for the four-year experience.

But for some young ladies, the cost of a gown, shoes and accessories can be prohibitive.

That is precisely what inspired Eileen Palazza, a social studies teacher at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, to mobilize students to help.

Earlier this academic year, Palazza launched the ND Niceties Club, engineered to help her students do good and help those in the surrounding communities.

"The basis of the club is to be kind," she said, "and to offer something to those in need through service."

The club's efforts became evident March 29, when the group of about ten consistent members put on a Prom Dress Boutique for young women in the surrounding communities who could not afford to purchase a prom dress for themselves.

During the event, some 20 teens were outfitted with a gown and accessories, and given a goodie bag complete with a handwritten message from a student. And the Notre Dame students served as the personal shoppers for their guests.

"They were able to help people," said Palazza of her students. "They were their personal shoppers. They helped them with gowns, and they were kind to them."

If not for the help of the Niceties Club, Palazza said, some of the teens might not have been able to make it to their own proms.

The initiative took a year-long effort to collect gently used prom gowns and cocktail dresses, and to reach out to local school counselors to spread the word to less fortunate teens who might be in need of some prom fixings.

Palazza said that the club already has some dresses to set aside for next year, and she hopes to continue the ND-based boutique and to potentially expand the event to other locations as well.