*Operation Prom which is the first major project under Afua Foundation led
by the world renowned Fashion Designer; Afua Sam. Ms Sam is also the Chief
Operating Officer of fashion label; Studio D'Maxsi.*
*
Jasmine Green is the recipient/winner of Operation Prom 2012.
She has been accepted into college for the Fall of 2012
Her prom day was 24th of May.
The team: Charlene Brown- Celebrity Hair Stylist, Make-up Artist- Felicia
Gray, Dress Designed by Afua Sam/ Studio D'maxsi, Photographer- David
McCoy/ IMAGES by McCoy*
This is from the fashion Designer; - *"One of the reason why "Operation
Prom" is so important to me is because I was not able to get to my highest
level in school due to some of the things these ladies face. I feel like
this is something small for me to do for someone in the appreciation of
effort and hard work on their path or to encourage someone to keep pushing
to the top.
To me, Jasmine's entry for OPERATION PROM 2012 was not a mere coincident,
someone like Jasmine Green is the reason why I started this project. She
is one amazing young lady! Her strength and enthusiasm for success in spite
of adversity is very inspiring! *
I was so impressed with how she found out about the project. She is the
perfected example of someone who will go after what she want,without
thinking about how is going to turn out, knowing that it can ONLY GET
BETTER. You just have to put your feet in the door. I want to encourage
young people not to be afraid of reaching their goals. Also when you are
introduced to someone,read about what they are doing that can be
a life changing experience,or you never know how things will turn out. NOT
ONLY IS SHE VERY SMART,SHE IS GIFTED WITH SO MANY TALENT AND SHE IS 200%
GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL, I'm very proud of her!!.
I could not do it without these AWESOME people who constantly donate their
time and talent to support other causes like "operation prom" A big,huge
shout out to celebrity hair stylist,Charlene Brown, Felicia Gray: make-up
artist, and Photos by David McCOY/IMAGES by McCOY LLC . "Thank you all for
your contribution and hard work"
*JASMINE'S LETTER OF HER EXPERIENCE WITH "OPERATION PROM"*
When I entered the Operation Prom contest, I didn’t expect to be chosen as
a winner. I was introduced to Ms. Afua Sam and was stunned at her
authenticity and humanitarian nature. From the first moment I met Afua, to
the day she put the finishing touches on my prom dress, I recognized that
God placed her in my life not only for prom, but also for inspiration. I
admire her hard work and dedication and have found myself saying, “Ms. Sam
go get some rest!” This woman works!! In watching her hard work and
success, I am reminded that when you work hard you get an outstanding
outcome!
I LOVED MY GORGEOUS PROM DRESS!
The style was customized in a hue of pink with gold shimmer which reflected
my personality. The dress was delicate, outgoing, and chic. Afua added
several embellishments that made my dress POP! Mr. David McCoy was my
personal photographer for the evening. He worked with me and created an
environment that was relaxed and comfortable, much like him.
When I stood in front of the camera I felt like I was in a different world.
I was free and able to shine as bright as the sun. My make-up artist Ms.
Felicia Gray was very pleasant. I couldn’t believe there were so many steps
to doing make-up. She made me feel like I was the canvas and she was the
painter.
She perfected her work with a hint of mascara and a touch of lip-gloss. My
hair stylist, Ms. Charlene Brown, had such a beautiful and encouraging
personality. She sculpted my hair in a way that reflected style and grace
and I laughed as she told my older sister, “Don’t forget to get this
picture.” Needless to say, I enjoyed this entire experience and couldn’t
have asked for a better prom send-off!
Jasmine C. Green
I walked upstairs and into my bedroom at my aunt’s house, shut the door and
I threw my purse on my silk purple and blue comforter. My bed bounced and
one of the eight pillows on it fell off. As I reached to pick it up, I
realized how sunny my room looked; everything inside my room was
illuminated. I glanced around the room and my eyes landed upon a well
decorated binder of certificates and achievements. The binder was all white
with a tent of lavender paper on the outside. The entire front cover
consisted of cut up magazine clippings. I walked across the room and
grabbed it off my brown bookshelf and flopped onto the bed. It felt like I
had fallen into a meadow of flowers, soft and satisfying.
Holding the binder way above my head with my arms fully extended, I admired
my art work on the outside. I thought of the success I achieved represented
on the inside. I rolled over to my stomach and opened the binder. A smile
crossed my face. I flipped through the clear plastic sleeves. A wave of
nostalgia came over me. I stared at the certificates remembering that proud
moment when I was happy to receive something I, had worked so hard for.
I recalled the award ceremony where I had received many of these
certificates. The lights in the cafeteria were as bright as the sun. As my
principal announced my name, I stood up with my black slacks, ruffled
shirt, and wedged heels. I walked slowly toward the stage. While walking up
to grasp the white sheet of paper in my hand and hold it to my chest to
take a picture it was then I realized this is one of the happiest moments
in my life.
It was the walk back to my row lonely and cold chair that reminded me that
I was alone. I sat down and looked around to see all the other teenagers
with their proud parents. They sat in their chairs sharing laughter and
love. I smiled, knowing that I had done it. Yes! I won certificates not for
anyone else, but for myself and my gone but not forgotten parents. My dad
and I were like cheese on pizza and peanut butter and jelly. However, he
passed on June 25, 2003. Following my father’s death, my mother passed
three years later on April 4, 2006. I missed them dearly and no words could
ever explain how I felt and still do. Nevertheless, I know they would be
proud of their baby girl.
As I continued to flip through the pages of my binder, I started to
reminisce on all the accomplishments that fit perfectly in the plastic
sleeves. Each one had its own unique font and colored paper. My eyes
widened and my cheeks began to hurt because I was smiling so hard.
Happiness, gratefulness, and moist hands began to take over my body. I
looked down at the certificates for academic success; principal’s honor
roll, honor roll, softball, cheerleading, modeling and poetry. In order to
successfully earn these accolades, I’d shown responsibility and
individuality. I also had to climb mountains of homework and study to reach
my goal. When I didn’t understand something in class I took the initiative
to speak up and reach out because I knew that was and anything is possible
if you put your mind to it. My mom used to say “look at the glass half full
rather than half empty” and that’s what I have done.
Looking at my binder, I couldn’t control the joy that began to run through
my body. I came to the conclusion that I had accomplished many things in
life since both my parents passed, despite the obstacles that could have
jumped into my journey of success. When I closed the binder I hugged it as
if it was my mom and dad. It was then that I realized that I was capable of
reaching my goal- earning a college degree and having a career in Business
Management while studying Environmental Studies. The fact that I had to
depend on the people left in my life required me to identify what I really
want in this world. Independence! Going to college is my top priority for I
want so much for myself and I know my future has no limits.
When I step foot on that special campus I will not only bring my caring
spirit but I will be able to share my story with my fellow students. In
order to inspire those who have their parents to be appreciative. It’s
nothing like losing the only people in the world that will love you
unconditionally. Ultimately, I would like to own my own boutique and start
a scholarship foundation for children just like me whose parents have
passed away. I know that with each accomplishment my parents would have
been very proud of me.
