The 1787 Room was alive with colorful lights and loud cheering on Saturday, March 30, as models strutted their stuff across the runway. 

But these weren’t just any models, they were students and recent graduates from Vermont State University at Castleton who left the crowds stunned at the third annual NAACP Fashion Show. 

“It was amazing. I had a lot of fun,” commented junior Jacqueline Nash, who adored model Steldie Mabiala’s pink dress in the “To Travel the World” section. 

The show was split into five categories displaying models’ ‘fit choices including “Day in the Life,” “For a Day in Spring,” “To Travel the World,” “For the Oscars,” and “My Fashionable Future,” followed by slicing a commemorative cake for the graduating chapter members. 

Model and NAACP member Neema Modeste said the event “was a great showcasing of the school’s diversity” and that she was thrilled to see such a big turnout. She shared that Vice President Liliana Farrell had actually made the tropical accessory she wore in her travel abroad outfit. 

When models weren’t walking the runway, musicians Perri Chiadika and Obi the Voicegod livened the audience with performances of two original songs. Five attendees even proved their “model status” by delivering their best walk to the beat of a track. 

Proud winner of the challenge, Aimee Yonkeu, said she practices her runway walk “just for fun” but playfully remarked that the win was “definitely expected.” She said she loved seeing the multicultural portion of the show. 

Many raved about Steldie Mabiala’s outfit choices, including freshman Rosa Kehoe, whose favorite was her high-fashion, floor length silver dress with matching hood. 

Junior Emily Offo said she adored her red mini dress in the Oscar’s section and her stylized nursing scrubs to signify her future career. 

“India is beautiful, as is Shristy,” said Farell following model Shristy Chhetri Darji’s appearance in her blush-pink, two-piece Indian-inspired gown with floral and sequin detail. 

The crowd went wild for Daniel Wright’s tuxedo and accompanying dog Buddy, wearing his very own “shirt and tie” collar. 

“It’s a great opportunity to expand beyond just Castleton. We have a lot of people outside the area who attend,” said Assistant Secretary Maddie Besaw. “It’s a chance to get our name out there and for people to have some fun.” 

“This year was overwhelming with joy,” said President Kayon Morgan. “I counted, we only had three open seats in the entire room.” 

Morgan was incredibly proud of each of the models, describing it as “the easiest going show ever” and says how meaningful this event was to her as a graduating senior. 

Since herself and many others are graduating in May, the NAACP is urgently seeking new members. Meetings take place every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:45 in the Campus Center’s formal lounge for anyone interested in joining!