The WEGO Boutique returned on Sept. 18, offering students the chance to find their perfect Homecoming outfit at no cost.

Founded by dean Janet Hurtado, WEGO Boutique is now run by guidance counselors Jenny Gawenda and Julie Hensley, who wanted to help students attend school dances without the financial burden of purchasing expensive apparel.

“I talked to one student the other day, and they said they spent $800 on prom last year. So it’s really expensive, for anyone,” Hensley said.

To kick things off, Gawenda and Hensley donated their own Homecoming and Prom dresses. School staff soon followed suit, contributing their formal attire. As word spread, the local community got involved, especially after WEGO Boutique began posting on social media. Nearly two years ago, a West Chicago company donated over 200 brand-new dresses, tags still on, significantly boosting the Boutique’s inventory.

Last year, WEGO Boutique expanded its reach through the efforts of fashion students, who selected dresses and modeled them in promotional videos. These students also helped sort and secure the donated items.

“We have to secure a location to host the event, send out passes to students, manage sign-up sheets and QR codes, and coordinate volunteers,” Hensley explained.

For Gawenda and Hensley, offering the Boutique is about more than free clothes—it is about giving students the chance to attend dances without the financial strain. Dresses are often only worn once, and students could benefit from saving that money for other needs.

Students appreciate their efforts, and the considerable number of options.

“It was well-organized, and there were a lot of dress options, plus jewelry and shoes,” junior Alondra Cardiel said.

Seeing students discuss the Boutique with their teachers is a rewarding experience for both Hensley and Gawenda. The WEGO community’s generosity has extended beyond formal wear this year. Hensley received a $1,400 donation from a community member to cover Homecoming tickets for students, providing 38 students with free admission.

“I would encourage students to attend the WEGO Boutique because dresses are usually expensive, and here, you get to choose whatever you want,” senior Andrea Flores said.