$50,000 is a lot of money. It can cover a down payment for a house, pay for a car, but, most importantly, it can fund the prom of any student’s dreams.

Johnny Wujek, fashion designer and Lake Shore Alumni, partnered with JCPenny to give the Lake Shore Class of 2024 the prom of their dreams!

Coming from a small city in the Midwest, it’s not common to make it to Los Angeles, but Wujek has an impressive resume that allowed him to create iconic looks for many well-known celebrities. Wujek has worked with very prominent people like Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, and Nicki Minaj. He has also made appearances on shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway All-Stars and Wheel of Fortune.

Although Wujek graduated from Lake Shore High School, he only went there for his senior year. Before that, he went to a private school his whole life.

He said, “Public high school literally was everything I dreamed it could be and more. I was in the theater department, the school news, anything creative I was involved in.”

When asked exactly why he donated this money, Wujek said, “I mean, I’m from here, and I love to give back to my community. We did some research and you guys are doing great things… which I love. It’s just all about giving back. I was you guys twenty-six years ago, dreaming of what my future would be, and now here we are!”

Robert Couck, Lake Shore High School Social Studies Teacher and head of Student Congress, has big plans for upgrades.

Couck said, “Everything possible is getting upgraded, from the food making sure it is the most delicious meal they have ever had. We are looking at a couple special surprises of things that have never been done at prom before that we’re waiting for the city to approve of. We are going to do lots of extra souvenirs and giveaways. Every kid is going to get a free video of the prom. It’s free for them, which is great!”

Everyone at Lake Shore High School is excited. Superintendent, Dr. Joseph DiPonio, said, “For Johnny to come back and give this to Lake Shore kids, to me, is the combination of exactly what that 100-year celebration is meant to be. It’s a great person, doing great things, for great people. What’s more Lake Shore than that?”

Dr. Janelle Bross, Lake Shore High School’s Principal, said, “…every senior class is special, and we wish we could do something on this level for everybody, but to be able to share with this senior class, who has just been so awesome, is incredible. We’re very excited and it’s going to be really special.” This is an opportunity that rarely any students will ever have.

This prom is going to be Lake Shore’s best yet. The countdown to the magic of May 23, 2024 starts now!