Twenty African-American high school senior women from Wichita and the surrounding area will culminate their leadership & scholarship experience during Fashionetta 2017: Pearls Over the Moon”, to be held Sat., Nov. 4, 6 p.m. at Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex. The event is open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.

During the course of five months and with the help of the local community, these young women, known as Pearls, attended workshops and raised money to assist their collegiate journey and higher education aspirations. At their culminating event, the young ladies will present what they’ve learned.

The annual Fashionetta, sponsored by the Beta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, showcases the modeling, choreography and talent the Pearls have diligently worked to perfect. Pearls compete for top honors and monetary awards in all categories including scholastic achievement, essay writing and community service. At the end of presentation night, the Pearl who has amassed the most funds is crowned Miss Fashionetta 2017.

Fashionetta has proved to be a staple event in the City of Wichita and within the African American community. First debuting 34 years ago, the celebration has grown to become the premiere program in which young women are able to raise money to supplement the cost of college tuition and fees; room and board.