Operation Prom which is the first major project under Afua Foundation led by the world renowned Fashion Designer; Afua Sam. Ms Sam is also the Chief Operating Officer of fashion label; Studio D'Maxsi.

Jasmine Green is the recipient/winner of Operation Prom 2012.

She has been accepted into college for the Fall of 2012

Her prom day was 24th of May.
The team: Charlene Brown- Celebrity Hair Stylist, Make-up Artist- Felicia Gray, Dress Designed by Afua Sam/ Studio D'maxsi, Photographer- David McCoy/ IMAGES by McCoy

This is from the fashion Designer; - "One of the reason why "Operation Prom" is so important to me is because I was not able to get to my highest level in school due to some of the things these ladies face. I feel like this is something small for me to do for someone in the appreciation of effort and hard work on their path or to encourage someone to keep pushing to the top.

To me, Jasmine's entry for OPERATION PROM 2012 was not a mere coincident, someone like Jasmine Green is the reason why I started this project. She is one amazing young lady! Her strength and enthusiasm for success in spite of adversity is very inspiring!

I was so impressed with how she found out about the project. She is the perfected example of someone who will go after what she want,without thinking about how is going to turn out, knowing that it can ONLY GET BETTER. You just have to put your feet in the door. I want to encourage young people not to be afraid of reaching their goals. Also when you are introduced to someone,read about what they are doing that can be a life changing experience,or you never know how things will turn out. NOT ONLY IS SHE VERY SMART,SHE IS GIFTED WITH SO MANY TALENT AND SHE IS 200% GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL, I'm very proud of her!!.

I could not do it without these AWESOME people who constantly donate their time and talent to support other causes like "operation prom" A big,huge shout out to celebrity hair stylist,Charlene Brown, Felicia Gray: make-up artist, and Photos by David McCOY/IMAGES by McCOY LLC . "Thank you all for your contribution and hard work"

JASMINE'S LETTER OF HER EXPERIENCE WITH "OPERATION PROM"

When I entered the Operation Prom contest, I didn't expect to be chosen as a winner. I was introduced to Ms. Afua Sam and was stunned at her authenticity and humanitarian nature. From the first moment I met Afua, to the day she put the finishing touches on my prom dress, I recognized that God placed her in my life not only for prom, but also for inspiration. I admire her hard work and dedication and have found myself saying, 'Ms. Sam go get some rest!' This woman works!! In watching her hard work and success, I am reminded that when you work hard you get an outstanding outcome!

I LOVED MY GORGEOUS PROM DRESS!
The style was customized in a hue of pink with gold shimmer which reflected my personality. The dress was delicate, outgoing, and chic. Afua added several embellishments that made my dress POP! Mr. David McCoy was my personal photographer for the evening. He worked with me and created an environment that was relaxed and comfortable, much like him.

When I stood in front of the camera I felt like I was in a different world. I was free and able to shine as bright as the sun. My make-up artist Ms. Felicia Gray was very pleasant. I couldn't believe there were so many steps to doing make-up. She made me feel like I was the canvas and she was the painter.

She perfected her work with a hint of mascara and a touch of lip-gloss. My hair stylist, Ms. Charlene Brown, had such a beautiful and encouraging personality. She sculpted my hair in a way that reflected style and grace and I laughed as she told my older sister, 'Don't forget to get this picture.' Needless to say, I enjoyed this entire experience and couldn't have asked for a better prom send-off!

Jasmine C. Green
I walked upstairs and into my bedroom at my aunt's house, shut the door and I threw my purse on my silk purple and blue comforter. My bed bounced and one of the eight pillows on it fell off. As I reached to pick it up, I realized how sunny my room looked; everything inside my room was illuminated. I glanced around the room and my eyes landed upon a well decorated binder of certificates and achievements. The binder was all white with a tent of lavender paper on the outside. The entire front cover consisted of cut up magazine clippings. I walked across the room and grabbed it off my brown bookshelf and flopped onto the bed. It felt like I had fallen into a meadow of flowers, soft and satisfying.

Holding the binder way above my head with my arms fully extended, I admired my art work on the outside. I thought of the success I achieved represented on the inside. I rolled over to my stomach and opened the binder. A smile crossed my face. I flipped through the clear plastic sleeves. A wave of nostalgia came over me. I stared at the certificates remembering that proud moment when I was happy to receive something I, had worked so hard for.

I recalled the award ceremony where I had received many of these certificates. The lights in the cafeteria were as bright as the sun. As my principal announced my name, I stood up with my black slacks, ruffled shirt, and wedged heels. I walked slowly toward the stage. While walking up to grasp the white sheet of paper in my hand and hold it to my chest to take a picture it was then I realized this is one of the happiest moments in my life.

It was the walk back to my row lonely and cold chair that reminded me that I was alone. I sat down and looked around to see all the other teenagers with their proud parents. They sat in their chairs sharing laughter and love. I smiled, knowing that I had done it. Yes! I won certificates not for anyone else, but for myself and my gone but not forgotten parents. My dad and I were like cheese on pizza and peanut butter and jelly. However, he passed on June 25, 2003. Following my father's death, my mother passed three years later on April 4, 2006. I missed them dearly and no words could ever explain how I felt and still do. Nevertheless, I know they would be proud of their baby girl.

As I continued to flip through the pages of my binder, I started to reminisce on all the accomplishments that fit perfectly in the plastic sleeves. Each one had its own unique font and colored paper. My eyes widened and my cheeks began to hurt because I was smiling so hard. Happiness, gratefulness, and moist hands began to take over my body. I looked down at the certificates for academic success; principal's honor roll, honor roll, softball, cheerleading, modeling and poetry. In order to successfully earn these accolades, I'd shown responsibility and individuality. I also had to climb mountains of homework and study to reach my goal. When I didn't understand something in class I took the initiative to speak up and reach out because I knew that was and anything is possible if you put your mind to it. My mom used to say 'look at the glass half full rather than half empty' and that's what I have done.

Looking at my binder, I couldn't control the joy that began to run through my body. I came to the conclusion that I had accomplished many things in life since both my parents passed, despite the obstacles that could have jumped into my journey of success. When I closed the binder I hugged it as if it was my mom and dad. It was then that I realized that I was capable of reaching my goal- earning a college degree and having a career in Business Management while studying Environmental Studies. The fact that I had to depend on the people left in my life required me to identify what I really want in this world. Independence! Going to college is my top priority for I want so much for myself and I know my future has no limits.

When I step foot on that special campus I will not only bring my caring spirit but I will be able to share my story with my fellow students. In order to inspire those who have their parents to be appreciative. It's nothing like losing the only people in the world that will love you unconditionally. Ultimately, I would like to own my own boutique and start a scholarship foundation for children just like me whose parents have passed away. I know that with each accomplishment my parents would have been very proud of me.