Viewfinder: From Hallway to Runway

Panther students traded their hallway stroll for a runway strut Tuesday night in the Panther Paradise fashion show. The show, organized by the Mehlville High School Mothers' Club featured students and teachers dressed in garb from local businesses. Each group had a different theme ranging from spring break to Harley Davidson to prom. 

The show has been an annual event since the 1990s, but this year, it included dinner catered by The Pasta House. The Mothers' Club kept with a five-year tradition and one dollar from every ticket sold went to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The rest of the proceeds will go to Last Blast, a safe post-graduation party for the high school seniors. 

High school students as well as Girl Scout Troop 516 and Junior Pantherette cheerleaders modeled clothing from Macy's, David's Bridal, Marshalls and many other fashion haunts. The administration sported looks from the Harley Davidson store. 

Psychology teacher Bill Ebert was the Master of Ceremonies and provided witty anectodes of the students and teachers as they made their way down the catwalk. 

"I like seeing you dressed up because usually I only see the top of your head, sleeping or texting," he said to one student. 

This year's fashion show marked the last for two long-time participants. Freshman principal Denise Driscoll has been in the show for the last 15 years, originally bringing her son. She ended by walking down the runway with her granddaugther. 

Christine Heart of the Mothers' Club oranized the event for the last year because her youngest of seven, Caelan Hearst, is a senior. Both were presented with flowers during the show.