Student’s glamorous event

Feb 28 2008 by Claire Rees, Rhymney Valley Express

IT was just like the Oscars – only without the bad speeches.

A group of students recreated the Academy Awards experience by hosting their own glamorous event in their school hall.

While there were no gongs, drunk A-listers, or paparazzi, the pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni did their best to rival Hollywood by parading a collection of beautiful gowns fit for Heidi Klum and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The event, organised by 16- and 17-year-olds Kate Rowlands, Rebecca Garnault and Angharad Chidgey, showcased prom dresses ahead of their annual bash, as well as a selection of wedding gowns, in front of an audience of 200.

Raising more than £730 for The Meningitis Trust – £270 off their target for the year – 12 models and a business studies teacher stormed the catwalk in creations by Wedding Secrets in Caerphilly.

The school is now looking forward to showing off similar dresses at its ball at the New House Country Hotel in Thornhill, Cardiff, in July.

Assistant head of sixth form Catrin Mathias said: “The girls arranged everything themselves and it’s amazing they raised so much with only a £2 entry.

“It was so glamorous – much better than the Oscars!”