When a student misses prom because of cost, it can feel like more than just “one night.” For Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) trustee Maiaika Velazquez, that reality hit close to home—and sparked an idea that has now grown into the third annual MPUSD Upcycled Prom Closet.
The seed was planted during a conversation with Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh about transportation barriers for students. Later that night, Velazquez found herself thinking back to her own prom years: She grew up in a low-income, single-parent household, and while she was able to attend prom (thanks in part to dates covering costs and a mom who sewed her dresses), her brother did not. “There’s nothing like the feeling of not being able to participate,” she shared—and the Prom Closet is her way of paying forward the “angels” who helped her along the way.
THIRD ANNUAL MPUSD UPCYCLED PROM CLOSET
- MAIN EVENT (ALL STUDENTS)
- Saturday, March 7 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
- Students can browse racks of formalwear, try items on, and take home what they love — all at no cost.
- Fitting rooms and volunteers available
to help - Door prizes, snacks, and a fun prom-day atmosphere
- SPECIAL FITTING FOR “NIGHT TO SHINE”
- January 31 or February 7
- 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- MPUSD District Office (lower campus of Monterey High School)
This year’s main Prom Closet event is Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside. Students can expect a true “shopping day” experience—except everything is free. Volunteers organize racks by size and color, with fitting rooms available on site. Last year, the event included nine racks of dresses and gowns (with sizes ranging from 00 through 24); this year, Velazquez says the inventory will reach up to size 26. Styles range from cocktail dresses to formal gowns, including both new items (sometimes still with tags) and gently used pieces. Accessories are part of the fun, too: shoes, jewelry, purses, ties, and other extras are often available, depending on donations.
Beyond clothing, the Prom Closet is designed to feel festive and uplifting—the kind of day that builds excitement for prom. In 2025, the event included a DJ, a photo booth, snacks and drinks, and door prizes like beauty items and service coupons. Maiaika hopes to bring back those “extras” again this year, along with games and raffles, as sponsorships are secured.
One of the biggest remaining needs is menswear. Dresses arrive in abundance, but suits and tuxedos are consistently scarce. Velazquez is working toward a goal of funding suits at a discounted rate (approximately $120–$150 each), with a hope of securing enough support to provide for at least 30. Additional needs include sponsorship for the DJ, photo booth, corsage/boutonniere sets, and door prizes, such as gift cards or service/product donations.
New this year is a separate fitting opportunity connected to the Tim Tebow “Night to Shine” event for special education students ages 14 and up. MPUSD plans to host a special fitting at the district office (lower campus of Monterey High School) on either January 31 or February 7, where students can be matched with outfits ahead of the February 13 event.
For Maiaika Velazquez, the goal is simple: Students should feel seen and valued—and for one day feel like kings and queens—regardless of what their families can afford.
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