Julia Halloran, a senior at Barrington High School, has a head for business. A member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Julia is organizing a fund-raising fashion show for the club and her senior project. The show, called "Marching Down Main Street" will take place in the school gym on Thursday, March 27.
All proceeds will go to the March of Dimes and FBLA scholarships. Julia was the captain of the swim team and is planning a trip to Italy next month to visit her sister.
Why did you take on the fashion show this year? "Well, they didn't have it last year, but have in previous years. It wasn't going to happen again this year, so I thought I'd do it as my senior project."
How is it different this year? "I had three goals in mind — to do it in a different way, lower the cost and involve the school. In the past the show was at the Marriott in Providence, this year it's in the gym."
Do you have a job? "Last summer I worked for Simply Devine Catering. They are doing the food for the show. With this project and school and the swim team, I haven't been able to work. I'm getting certified as a life guard so I can do that this summer."
Since you worked in catering, do you cook also? "I don't cook very well! I try though. Right now I am in foods and nutrition and we learn to cook a variety of things in class so I'm getting better slowly."
What's your best event in swimming? "Probably breaststroke, but I'm no state record holder! I'm probably better at leading the team than actually competing for them!"
Do you do other sports? "I've played soccer all my life but I have terrible knees so I don't play as much anymore. In the spring I usually play with a group of girls that I've been playing with since I was five and we have the same coach that we had when we were that age (thanks Mr. Morris!). We started in fall soccer in Barrington and just kept going! Unfortunately we don't have a team this year because as seniors there's just too much going on."
Since you like fashion, what was your worst fashion period? "Oh, gosh! There's so many! I went through a lime-green phase in third grade — my best friend and I had lime-green velvet dresses that we were obsessed with! But when I think back on things I wore even as a freshman I'm surprised at some of my style choices! I'll probably feel the same way about how I dress now in 4 years!"
Have you ever been to a big fashion show? "I never have but I really want to! I love watching project runway, especially the final episode when the designers show their collection."
Who and what will be modeled? "The models are students and members of FBLA and some children of teachers. They will be modeling clothes from Teddy Bearskins, Dish, Feminine Fancies, Island Outfitters, Talbots and Waldorf Tuxedo."
What do you hope to do in Italy? "So much! I'm most excited to go to Pompeii and Herculaneum where Vesuvius erupted. I first learned about Pompeii in middle school when my English class read a story about it. Over the last four years I've learned more about Pompeii in both Latin and English class so I'm really excited for that! We're taking the Scavi tour of the Vatican where they take you into the basement to see the remains of the popes; that should be interesting. I can't wait to go shopping in Florence and to go to the beach in Capri! I love the beach!"
You speak French and Latin, how about Italian? "Well, I can't really speak French but I can understand it a little. I think I would know enough to ask for a bathroom and what time it is and to order a Coke in France, but that's it! I can also pray in French, but that comes from nine years of Catholic school. Latin isn't really spoken anymore except for in the Vatican, but I can translate. I haven't attempted Italian yet but I'm sure I will pick some of it up when I'm in Rome."
What will you miss about your hometown while you are in college? "The water. I love living near the water. I could never live in the Midwest! I'll obviously also miss my family and friends so it will be exciting to come home to them."
What: FBLA Fashion Show
When: March 27; reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and the fashion show begins at 7:15
Where: Barrington High School
Tickets: Available at Talbots in Barrington and at the high school, or write to Mary Warlop at warlopm@bpsmail.org). Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for students. All the proceeds go to March of Dimes and FBLA scholarships.
By Joan D. Warren
jwarren@eastbaynewspapers.com