Alaska Airlines Volunteers Glam Up 65+ Teens for Prom

Five hours before prom, the Mt. Edgecumbe High School dorm smells like hairspray and roses, buzzing with excitement as dozens of teens prepare for their big night far from home.

Mt. Edgecumbe is a state-run boarding school in Sitka, Alaska, serving students from villages across the state. For many of these teens, going home for prom prep isn't an option when family is hundreds of miles away in remote Alaska communities.

Enter the "glam fairies." For the past 14 years, 20 to 30 Alaska Airlines employees have volunteered their time through the Prom Prince and Princess program, flying to Sitka to help students get ready. They do hair, nails, and makeup, provide jewelry and shoes, make corsages and boutonnieres, and even alter donated suits and dresses.

Senior Alonza Topcock from Teller, Alaska, wanted a look inspired by Mariah Carey's movie "Glitter" for her final prom. The volunteers delivered exactly that: shimmer, glitter, and curls to match her beaded black and gold gown.

"I would have had my mom do my hair, like she's done for every other dance, and I know she would have loved to be here," Topcock says. "But these ladies are so amazing, and it's very meaningful that they took their time to do this."

Lisa Lynch tagged along with her Alaska Airlines employee mom to help. She remembers getting ready for her own prom in Anchorage with family around her. Now she's recreating that experience for students who can't have their loved ones nearby.

Freshman Angelina John from Kwigillingok chose a natural makeup look and burgundy nails with flowers to match her purple gown. "Getting ready and putting on a dress, it feels like a birthday party, but like it's not your birthday," she says.

Even the guys got in on the action. Freshman Andrew Adams and his friends nervously hovered at the entrance before finally asking for help with eyebrows and haircuts, leaving refreshed and feeling handsome.

Sunny's Take

The volunteers created more than 50 boutonnieres and 65 corsages this year. But the real gift isn't the flowers or the perfectly curled hair. It's showing up for young people when their families can't, making sure every student feels special on a night they'll remember forever. In a world where teenagers are often overlooked, these Alaska Airlines employees prove that sometimes the most meaningful thing you can give is your time and attention.

These students will return to their villages for summer berry picking and fishing with memories of a magical night when strangers became fairy godmothers.