Middle school teams collaborate for Recycling Trashion Show
Pre-show rush, creators gather backstage to make their last alterations. Students practiced their runway walks and added to their outfits under the supervision of science teacher Cassandra Lentz and Makerspace teacher Josh Linn.
January 13, 2020
On Monday, November 18, middle schoolers in the Makerspace and the Green Machine collaborated to put on a recycling fashion show or—the “Recycling Trashion Show 2019.” The Makerspace is a class where students explore engineering basics, robotics and inventing. The Green Machine is a team made of students dedicated to environmental activism. Middle school science teacher and Green Machine advisor Cassandra Lentz along with Makerspace teacher Josh Linn were the advisors for the project.
“It was honestly originally the idea of the green machine and they wanted to design something. So when I was talking to Ms. Lentz, who’s teacher of the Green Machine, I was like ‘Oh, designing things? That’s the Makerspace, that’s the number one focus of the Makerspace. Sure, we’ll design stuff, and you guys throw on your show!’” Linn said.
Eighth-grader Shakyra Billups sports a trash bag dress with a flower design on the front. Billops was both a designer and a model of the show.
The show took place in the Sun Theatre where students walked the stage in outfits inspired by fashion trends and created from recycled materials. Middle school and high school teachers had the option of bringing their classes over to the Sun Theatre to watch the free show.
“Basically the day of the show I got asked during A1. I got asked by one of the creators if I could wear their costume but I couldn’t fit it. Another creator asked me and I could fit [the second outfit]. Me and my friend Lilli we came up something with the creator and that was it,” seventh-grader Morgan Elsaw said. “Yeah it was fun and I like modeling.”
Before and during the runway, students on stage talked about pollution statistics and the role humans have in climate change. There was a slideshow that played on the overhead projector with descriptions, statistics and student explanations of their outfit choices.
“It was really fun. It was one of those chances to mix kind of a fun entertaining aspect of design thinking, as well as social conscious, social justice with a good message,” Linn said.
Eighth-grade models, Morgan Elsaw and Lillie Harrison, pose together during the pre-run of the fashion show.
The judging panel consisted of one student representative, Alyssa “Eli” Rehg, who invited teachers, Dr. Michelle Oyola, Erin Smith and Susan Crivello. Beverly Thomas was the guest judge representing WFF Facilities, the company in contract with the school for custodial and maintenance services. WFF Facilities donated two gift cards for the winning outfits. One winner was chosen by the crowd’s reactions while the other was chosen by the judging panels. The students of the winning outfit decided themselves how they divided the prizes.
“There’s thought of maybe doing it next semester but I doubt it. We will definitely be doing it next year,” Linn said.
