Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily TimesAmy Montgomery, a ResCare client, selects her dress for the upcoming Night to Shine prom during a Boutique Day held at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. 

VALDOSTA — Amy Montgomery never attended a high school prom. 

The Valdosta resident has Prader-Willi syndrome, a disorder caused by an abnormal chromosome.

She plans to attend the Night to Shine special-needs prom with boyfriend Joey. She attends every year and enjoys receiving her tiara.

“You have a good time, and you get to meet more people,” she said.

In preparation for her big night, she chose a dress and accessories Saturday during a Boutique Day held at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

The boutique was part of Wiregrass’ Tiaras and Ties campaign where SkillsUSA students gathered donations for prom guests.

About 750 dresses and 250 men’s suits were collected for the two Night to Shine proms, which will be held 6 p.m., Feb. 8, at First Baptist Church of Valdosta and First Baptist Church of Douglas.

“I just encourage anybody else who has disabilities to come and get signed up for the prom if they’ve never experienced something like that,” Montgomery said.

SkillsUSA students Jeff Gary and Chris Rampley volunteered to help with men’s clothing during the Boutique Day.

Rampley said he volunteered to make a difference and an impact. He said he’d like to help build a male guest’s confidence and self-esteem.

The boutique was a first for Gary. He said guests who attended the Boutique Day were excited.

“Those who have been here, you can see the expression on their faces, they’re excited,” Gary said.

Salon Day will allow guests to get pampered as they prepare for their big night. Wiregrass students will style the attendees’ hair and do their makeup.

Dry cleaning will be available through Pleats and Creases.

Contributors included Flaunt Formal Wear and White Weddings.

Light refreshments will be served during Night to Shine. Registration is free and can be completed at First Baptist.

More information: Contact Kelley Wetherington, (229) 219-1237, or email kelley.wetherington@wiregrass.edu.

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.