Home Economics – as it used to be called – has never been more popular than it was this year as class members at Secaucus High School geared up to present their yearly fashion show.
“We’ve had more boys in this year’s class than before,” said Kathy Kuchar, teacher for Family and Consumer Science classes (what used to be called Home Economics).
The class – which covers more than just cooking – also has a significant sewing component, and each year, in anticipation of the fashion show, students make clothing to wear.
Such activities show just how far each student has progressed with his or her skills through the year.
Secaucus has two versions of the course, a half-year session where the very basics are explored, and the full-year version – although block scheduling has altered some aspects of the program this year.
Kuchar said it is her job to prepare students for the everyday world, whether or not they intend to go to college.
Many of the students who come to class each September have little or no sewing experience, some have never seen a sewing machine, let alone used one.
Kuchar has taught various versions of the class since 1975 and has taught students from grades 9 to 12. During the 1980s, the fashion element faded as kids lost interest in dressing up. But over the last few years, and especially this year, kids have had a renewed interest – even some of the boys.
“We will have about 70 pieces in this year’s show,” Kuchar said.
Dresses are not the only thing kids create in her class. Jessica Spieldenner recently won best of show for the family quilt she made.
“It took me about three months to make,” she said, calling it “a memory quilt.”
It has photographs of family as far back as her great grandparents, as well as her friends.
She said she used a book on how to make a quilt, which walked her through the process step by step. She intends to bring the quilt to college when she graduates from high school.
Jessica Kosky, also a senior this year, had made several gowns, although she intends to wear one made of black satin to the fashion show.
“It took me about two months to make,” she said. “I saw the pattern and liked it.”
Kuchar called Kosky an excellent seamstress. Kosky said she intends to pursue a career in theater, where she hopes to get involved with costuming and set design. She has worked on several school plays.
Samantha Petrino, a senior this year, has made a gown that she used as a prom dress, a stretch fabric in red.
“I love red,” she said, noting that she will be attending the Rutherford Campus of Felician College next September, where she will major in elementary education.
Danielle Franks, a junior at the high school this year, was in the process of making a pink and white outfit, although said the process can be expensive since shopping for fabric in the area is difficult.
Danna Gregorio, also a junior, is planning to wear a pink nylon outfit to the fashion show. Although she excels in sewing, she plans to become an elementary school teacher.
The three boys in this year class did more than many boys in the past, working on their own projects. One who did was Ilan Etin, a junior, who made a quilt of his own.
“These boys are excellent in sewing,” Kuchar said. “In fact, they are better than some of the girls in the class.”
And with good reason. Jose Podesta’s grandfather was a tailor. He has two pieces in the competition this year. Roland Isao made his own cargo pants and hooded sweatshirt.
The fashion show will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school. Admission is $3. Refreshments will be served.