Northwestern Social Work Distributes Nearly 500 Dresses at 12th Annual Primp for Prom

April 3, 2026

A large gymnasium filled with people browsing long rows of prom dresses organized on clothing racks. Signs on the racks indicate dress sizes. Multiple attendees of varying ages move through the space, some holding dresses. A basketball backboard is visible in the background. A
The Northwestern Department of Social Work in collaboration with Woodward High School distributed nearly 500 dresses to students from 30 schools in the tri-state region during the 12th annual Primp for Prom in March.

ALVA, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Department of Social Work distributed nearly 500 dresses to students representing 30 high schools across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas at the 12th Annual Primp for Prom event held at Woodward High School in March.

Since its launch in 2015, Primp for Prom has provided nearly 3,000 free dresses to high school students across the tri?state region. Each student who participates is able to register to receive a scholarship to attend Northwestern after graduation.

Primp for Prom is an annual spring event that provides free prom dresses to high school students co?sponsored by Northwestern’s Department of Social Work and Woodward High School.

A group of approximately twelve young people pose in two rows in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Social Work Department logos, flanked by red, black, and white balloon clusters. Several individuals in the front row hold prom dresses in dry-cleaning bags and prop signs with phrases including
Student shoppers from South Barber High School in Kiowa, Kansas, pose for a photo at the 12th annual Primp for Prom event in Woodward. Each student shopper registered to receive a scholarship to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University after graduation.

Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work, social work program director and professor of social work, expressed her appreciation for the many individuals and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

She extended thanks to co?director Stefanie Alexander; Abbey Elam, Miss Northwestern 2026; Megan Poole; Lauren Thomason, Miss Northwestern’s Teen 2026; Amy Whitewater; volunteers from Bent Creek Counseling and Western Plains Youth and Family Services; Celebrations of Woodward; Northwestern social work student volunteers; Northwestern social work alumni and professional practitioners; Tres Jolie of Edmond; the Northwestern-Woodward campus; former Northwestern-Woodward Campus Dean Dr. Deena Fisher; Woodward High School students and staff; Woodward Mayor Tom Fisher; and all the generous dress and accessory donors from across northwest Oklahoma.

Thirteen volunteers pose in two rows — seven standing in the back row and six kneeling in the front — in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Social Work Department logos, with white, black, and silver balloon clusters visible on each side. Most individuals wear Northwestern Rangers or Woodward-branded apparel in red, black, gray, and white. Back row, left to right: Dr. Kylene Rehder, Jonathan Wales, Kailie Martin (instructor of social work), Stefanie Alexander (Primp for Prom co-director), Melaine Yager, Katie Vaverka, Jennifer Pribble (instructor of social work). Front row, left to right: Krystin Pierce, Mattie Gore, Isabella Burden, Haylee Durrence, Kinley Rehder, and Codi Harding (assistant professor).
Volunteers during Primp for Prom stop for a photo. They are: back row (left to right): Dr. Kylene Rehder; Jonathan Wales; Kailie Martin, instructor of social work; Stefanie Alexander, Primp for Prom co-director; Melaine Yager; Katie Vaverka; Jennifer Pribble instructor of social work; front row (left to right): Krystin Pierce, Mattie Gore, Isabella Burden, Haylee Durrence, Kinley Rehder, and assistant professor Codi Harding.

Rehder also offered a special thank you to the administration of Woodward High School for hosting the event and to Isabella Burden and Haylee Durrence, staff members in the Department of Social Work, for their extensive behind?the?scenes coordination.

“This event represents far more than free dresses,” Rehder said. “It reflects our university’s mission and our professional social work commitment to serve. This community event provides meaningful financial support to families, builds a sense of community, celebrates inclusion, and promotes positive self?image, confidence and empowerment among young people.”

A group of approximately fifteen young people pose in two rows — some standing, some kneeling — in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Social Work Department logos, with red, black, and white balloon clusters visible at the left. Several individuals make heart gestures with their fingers. One person holds a prop sign. One adult is visible at the far right.
Student shoppers from Shattuck High School pose with the dresses they chose at the 12th annual Primp for Prom event in Woodward. Each student shopper registered to receive a scholarship to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University after graduation.

For additional information about this event or the Northwestern Department of Social Work, visit their webpage or contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327?8135.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480



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