Pimlico’s Role Models Rock the Runway

Learning to become a role model and stepping into one’s potential takes practice and, at Pimlico Elementary/Middle School (PEMS), stepping onto the runway.

For the fourth year in a row, PEMS presented its annual fashion show, its first in collaboration with the Role Models club for middle school girls. On June 1, 2026, the girls hit the runway in an in-school and an afterschool show for families. Organized by Ashley Davis, Special Educator, and Sharday Gregory, Art Teacher, the fashion show was a delightful trip down the rabbit hole with the “Alice in Wonderland” theme, chosen by the Role Models’ members.

The Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the White Rabbit, and more walked the PEMS stage, showcasing high fashion and impressive self-esteem. “The purpose of the Role Models program is to give students something positive to work toward and provide the motivation to stay focused, make good choices, stay out of trouble, and treat others with kindness and respect,” explains Ms. Davis.

The program underscores the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) focus on Restorative Practices to create a positive school climate and community. The mission of the Role Models approach is about reducing conflict and teaching students poise, self control, leadership, and confidence. “In Role Models, we don’t judge; we help,” Ms. Davis, adds. “We create a safe space where students can grow, learn from their mistakes, and support one another. The sisterhood that develops within the group is truly beautiful to watch. The girls become role models not only for the younger students but also for each other.”

Creating Wonderland at PEMS

For its first year hosting the fashion show, Role Models members helped Ms. Davis and Ms. Gregory plan the theme. Ms. Gregory then developed five distinct scenes, props, visual elements, and several fashion looks inspired by Alice in Wonderland. She and Ms. Davis plan to have the Role Models members create their own looks in future years, combining Ms. Gregory’s sewing program with the Role Models program to gain hands-on sewing experience. 

Each scene felt like stepping into a different part of the beloved story and films. Fittingly, Wonderland is a place where Alice embraced her empowerment and potential. DJ Eddie C. kept the music going.

The scenes includes: 

Scene 1: Down the Rabbit Hole
The opening scene featured the girls dressed as modern-day bunnies. They wore suspenders with a stylish twist, a playful nod to the White Rabbit. As they stepped down the “rabbit hole,” with the black and white spiral in the background, their outfits reflected simple whimsical charm with a modern edge. 

Scene 2: The Singing Flower Garden
As we transitioned into the enchanted garden, the models wore floral accents and light, flowing pieces, blending with the life-sized flowers students created. Their outfits mirrored the vibrant colors and whimsy of the garden.

Scene 3: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
This scene brought the classic tea party to life, as the Mad Hatter served tea to our eighth graders—just like in the movie’s tea party scenes. The girls were dressed in stylish tea party attire, complete with tea gloves, capturing the charm of Wonderland’s quirky gathering.

Scene 4: The Queen of Hearts’ Court
The models transitioned to bold red and black ensembles, embodying the power of the Queen’s court. This scene focused on confidence and strong runway walks, with the Queen leading the group.

Scene 5: The White Queen’s Dreamscape
In the finale, the models wore flowing white ensembles, reflecting the elegance of the White Queen. This graceful scene celebrated confidence, transformation, and unity.

A Schoolwide Effort

With the Role Models students as stars of the runway, many other students helped bring Wonderland to life with every scene a showcase of student-created artwork and teamwork:

• Fourth-grade art classes worked hard to design and build many of the larger set pieces, creating giant mushrooms from cardboard and transforming them through painting and construction techniques. 
• Students in grades 6–8 also assisted with creating additional mushroom and clock props using Styrofoam board, tracing, cutting, and painting. They helped build the life-sized flowers featured in the Singing Garden scene, which were constructed from paper and mounted into sturdy cement bases to make them sturdy enough for the runway presentation. 

The Power of Role Models

The team of Ms. Davis and Ms. Gregory modeled the power of teamwork; Ms. Davis ensured that students understood expectations, production of each walk and remained organized, while Ms. Gregory focused on the creative vision and production of the show. 

“The confidence we saw from auditions to the final show was just mind blowing,” Ms. Gregory reflects. “Art has the power to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, but the most meaningful part of this project was watching students become creators and build an entire world together. That’s the kind of creative ownership and pride that stays with students long after the show is over.”

Ms. Davis adds: “Anyone can put on an outfit and walk a runway, but it takes something special to be a Role Model. It takes maturity, responsibility, accountability, and the willingness to lead by example. That’s all we look for, and that’s all we show. The fashion show is just the stage, our real goal is helping these young ladies build confidence, self-control, leadership skills, and a sisterhood that reminds them they are capable of greatness both on and off the runway.” 

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