Nominations Open for Inaugural Prom Confidence Experience

Local therapist partners with businesses to support two graduating seniors' prom experience.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:52am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a prom dress repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the Prom Confidence Experience initiative's focus on empowering young women through more than just physical appearance.The Prom Confidence Experience initiative celebrates inner strength and self-worth, providing deserving students with a meaningful prom experience beyond just physical appearance.Orange City Today

Licensed marriage and family therapist Cherlette McCullough is partnering with a local makeup artist and hairstylist to sponsor the prom experience of two graduating seniors from Orange County Public Schools, including hair, makeup, a dress, and emotional support to help the young women feel "seen, valued, and confident beyond how they look."

Why it matters

The Prom Confidence Experience initiative aims to go beyond just physical appearance and focus on mental health, identity, and helping young women recognize that confidence is an internal quality, not something that can be worn. This program provides an opportunity for deserving students to have a meaningful prom experience.

The details

Nominees must attend Orange County Public Schools, be on track to graduate, and plan on attending prom. Nominations can be submitted to info@centerpeacetherapy.org through April 10, 2026, and the two finalists will be chosen by April 12, 2026.

  • Nominations are open through April 10, 2026.
  • The two finalists will be chosen by April 12, 2026.

The players

Cherlette McCullough

A licensed marriage and family therapist who is partnering with local businesses to support the prom experience of two graduating seniors.

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What they’re saying

“But more importantly, it centers on helping them feel seen, valued, and confident beyond how they look. This is about mental health, identity, and showing young women that confidence is something they carry, not something they wear.”

— Cherlette McCullough, Licensed marriage and family therapist

What’s next

The two finalists will be chosen by April 12, 2026 and will receive support for their prom experience.

The takeaway

The Prom Confidence Experience initiative goes beyond just physical appearance to focus on mental health, identity, and helping young women recognize that true confidence comes from within, not from what they wear. This program provides a meaningful opportunity for deserving students to have a memorable prom experience.