On Sept. 24, Partners in Learning held its third annual “Just As I Am Fashion Show.”

The event was sold out, with more than 150 people in attendance and raising just over $16,000 in funds for a variety of early childhood and family programs. A dozen students and alumni strutted across the stage, proud of their milestone achievements and their Partners In Learning connection. 

The emcee, Ashley Currin, praised each child for accomplishments during each of their journeys. Candy Andruzzi’s son, Gabe, was one of the stars of the fashion show.

Partners In Learning Executive Director Norma Honeycutt said the event started when she realized there were no children with special needs in a fashion show she was watching on TV.

“I wanted to have a fashion show that would not only highlight these wonderful children, but make their parents feel special (as well),” Honeycutt said in a news release. “For the past three years, the annual fashion show has been held in memory of alumni Jacob Usher, who passed away in 2015 at age 7.”

The “Just As I Am Fashion Show” will be held again in early fall 2020. 

Partners in Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It’s committed to early care, intervention and the education of those needing support. Partners In Learning was founded in 1993.