A Fairytale Prom Send-Off for Jakai!

She was a Fairy! Jakai Lockridge looking radiant at her prom send-off.

Every Chicago girl deserves to feel celebrated and like the fabulous main character of her own blockbuster movie or bestselling novel EVERY day. We especially wish that for them on extra special days like prom night. Focus Fairies Mentoring, with support from our friends at Bright Ideas Company and Darryca Brim Consulting LLC, had the honor of gifting one special Fairy with an exclusive prom package to help make her red carpet send-off one that she'll never forget.

Among family, friends, good food and perfect Summertime Chi weather, Focus Fairies celebrated Jakai Lockridge, a senior participant in our B.E.E. Girls program at Art In Motion (AIM) and the winner of our Prom Glow Up Essay Contest.

The AIM B.E.E. Girls, who were all seniors excitedly (and at times stressfully) preparing for graduation and prom, were invited to submit an essay or video answering the prompt: “How have you taken care of your mental health while balancing the pressures of senior year? How has Focus Fairies helped you think about self-care and mental health differently? What advice would you give to other students about managing stress and prioritizing self-care?” 

The prize?

• Event Styling by Darryca Brim Consulting – Two-color balloon garland, red carpet, backdrop design, and stanchions to create a picture-perfect moment. 

• Photography & Film by Bright Ideas – 4 hours of coverage, 1 photographer, 1 filmmaker, 100 high-resolution digital images, and a 1-2 minute event film! 

"Glow Through What you Go Through," Jakai's winning essay, moved the judges with its thoughtfulness, vulnerability and words of wisdom for other students. An excerpt:

Before Focus Fairies, I didn’t really know how to take care of my mental health. I would just let things build up or stay stressed all day without doing anything about it. Focus Fairies opened my eyes to how important it is to care for myself not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. They helped me realize that self-care isn’t just about doing something fun or relaxing. It’s about setting boundaries, checking in with how I really feel, and making time to breathe, heal, and reset. Having our talks on Thursday and doing different activities each week helped me learn how to implement small changes that really work for me. It’s okay to put myself first sometimes, and I’ve learned that taking care of my mental health isn’t selfish, it's necessary. Now I have tools and reminders to handle stress better, and I’m way more in tune with what I need to feel good. 

On the day of her prom, Jakai floated out to her family's backyard beaming from the inside-out. The first look at her flawless gown, hair and makeup was met with approving gasps, with every angle captured by Bright Ideas for a forever memory.

We are so proud of Jakai!

In the fall, she plans to attend Illinois State University and major in Photography and Entrepreneurship. She's most looking forward to meeting new friends, trying new activities, getting away from home for a little while, and focusing on her major.

"Because of [Focus Fairies], I feel more confident and ready to take on whatever comes next, knowing I have the tools and support to keep going."

And because of you, Jakai, we have some fresh fuel to keep us going. Thank you for reminding us why our work matters. We can't wait to see all the ways that you shine and inspire in your next chapter!

Special thank you to our AIM Facilitator, Dr. Arielle Smith!

Yours in Fairy Tales,

Sandria, Sr. Manager Program & Partnership