In 2020, during my senior year at Quincy High School, I had the privilege of being the fashion show coordinator for our beloved fashion program. That year, our eagerly anticipated fashion event was abruptly canceled as the world came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a graduate of this program, I can personally attest to its transformative power. It wasn't just an elective; it was a launchpad. Many of my peers and I have embarked on successful careers in the fashion industry, energized by the passion and skills nurtured by our incredible teacher, Ms. Kaplan.

Now, just a few years later, the program that gave so many of us a creative outlet and a professional edge is at risk of being cut by Quincy High School. With only two fashion programs remaining in the entire state, eliminating our program would not just be a loss for our school, but a loss for our entire community. The fashion program at Quincy High serves as a vital creative outlet, especially for students who thrive in artistic environments, and it has consistently delivered graduates equipped for the burgeoning fashion industry.

Ms. Kaplan, our exceptional fashion teacher, is at the heart of this program. Her dedication to her craft and her students is unparalleled. She leaves an indelible impression on everyone she teaches, inspiring a new generation of designers, coordinators, and fashion entrepreneurs. Cutting this program would deny future students not only an education in fashion but also the opportunity to be inspired by Ms. Kaplan's mentorship.

The decision to cut the fashion program seems short-sighted, especially when considering the school's responsibility to prepare students for diverse career paths. The fashion industry is not only creative but a significant economic powerhouse, offering numerous career opportunities in design, marketing, merchandising, and more.

If you believe in preserving artistic education and empowering students to follow their dreams, join us in urging Quincy High School to retain its fashion program. By signing this petition, you are supporting current and future students in exploring their creative potential and ensuring that this invaluable program continues to change lives as it did for me. Please sign and share to help save Quincy High School's fashion program.