Tough economic times can make events with high price tags, such as high school prom, a source of stress for families of teenagers. Some local businesses involved in the prom trade have come together to lift the burden and treat one special young lady in the area to the ultimate prom experience.

“We know that with these economic times and with the oil field shutting down — because it’s a chain reaction — that there are people out there having hard times,” said Susan’s Shoppe owner Susan May. “My husband’s in the oil field, and he’s been laid off, so I understand. So what we thought as group at Susan’s Shoppe was that we wanted to help one girl in this community to not have the expenses of prom.”

Susan’s Shoppe is asking guidance counselors at schools in Lincoln, Pike, Copiah, Lawrence and Franklin counties to nominate at least one young lady deserving of having the ultimate prom experience taken care of.

“Our community has come together to make sure this young lady has the time of her life,” May said.

Multiple places in the surrounding areas have contributed — hair and makeup will be done by Anna Hester in Franklin County and a manicure will be gifted by Linda Haralson of Twins Salon in Bogue Chitto. Georgia Blue in downtown Brookhaven will provide a free meal for the recipient and her date. Susan’s Shoppe will donate the dress, the shoes and earrings.

“We’re all about the community and love to give back any chance we can, and we just think it’s a very good opportunity for a deserving young lady who otherwise might not get the chance,” Georgia Blue Manager John Grafton said.

There are no requirements, but the ideal candidate will have good grades and is a good citizen.

“We want it to be someone that everybody’s proud that they got this,” May said. “We want her to have this experience and the night of her life.”

The average prom dress costs about $400, May said.

“I’ve been a single mom with a teenage girl, and I know the pressure — it’s a lot pressure,” May said. “We understand the expense, and we want to help somebody in the community. This community has always been good to Susan’s Shoppe so Susan’s Shoppe wants to give back.”

To nominate someone, guidance counselors are asked to email their recommendation or request for a form to susansshoppe@bellsouth.net. Nominations will be accepted from Feb. 1 until about March 1.

Note: A previous version of this story listed Susan of Susan’s Shoppe incorrectly as Susan Nash. Susan’s last name is May.