When Nina Marranca’s submission came into our Prom Makeover contest, we sat there in disbelief. On the other end of this note sat a girl that impacted us wholeheartedly.
Her strength, her courage, her kindness was felt and we didn’t even personally know her.
Nina has been blind since birth. Her seeing eye dog, Viggo, is her world.
So, for this North Tonawanda graduate, prom day will be one that we are so happy to make memorable for her…and Viggo!
Nina will head to Sass Salon in Orchard Park to be treated to a prom makeover by the talented stylists of Sass. She will receive full hair and makeup, thanks to our partnership with beauty expert, Savannah Lennon of Goodie2Brows.
The goal – treating Nina to a fun experience, and helping accentuate what she already has – natural beauty.
Want to learn more about Nina? This is her story.
“I’m Nina. I have been blind since birth, and as a result, you can find me cruising the halls with my guide dog, Viggo by my side. I take college classes and am involved in National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Student Council, Donate Life Club, and Foreign Language Club. I love to read, write, and play guitar, but one of my favorite pastimes is educating others about blindness and guide dogs.
I am very excited to graduate in the top 10 of my class and to attend Medaille for psychology this Fall.
I’ve always had an interest in hair and makeup. Despite not being able to see, I have learned to apply the basics and do some hairstyles. Most of the time, though, I would rather spend my time studying or playing with Viggo, rather than obsessing over my looks. I am not someone who spends hours and hours getting ready; jeans, my trusty Converse sneakers, and a ponytail are more my style.
I wanted prom to be different. I bought my dress nearly four months ago. I am so thrilled to wear it. I’ve known my best friend since kindergarten, and we are still close today, so much so that we are going to prom together. I will also be going with two other friends of ours and my boyfriend.
After a crazy year filled with college and scholarship applications, exams, and a ton of studying, prom has been the one senior perk I have been impatiently awaiting, and the fact that I will have my hair and makeup professionally done is just the icing on the cake!
I would like to give Hope Rises a tremendous thank you for giving me the opportunity to feel like a princess on my prom day.”
