On Tuesday, December 11, 2025, Mr. Centeno’s 11th Grade Honors class presented their Bridal Boards in the newly upgraded J.J. Thomas Lab (room 926/922), creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As students entered the tech-enhanced space, they were met with a well-deserved round of applause that reflected the excitement and admiration in the room. The elevated setting highlighted the professionalism of the presentations and underscored how far the program has grown, setting the tone for a high-caliber showcase of student creativity and skill.
The student work was nothing short of exceptional. Each bridal board demonstrated a strong understanding of concept development, fabric selection, color stories, and brand identity. As the program continues to evolve, the judging process has become increasingly rigorous, challenging students to articulate their ideas clearly and defend their creative choices with confidence. This level of critique pushed students to think more deeply and approach their work with a professional, industry-ready mindset.
The success of the presentations was further enriched by the participation of esteemed industry judges. Our judges included Robert Di Mauro (Advisory Board Member and Industry Partnership Program founder), Mara Urshel (Kleinfeld), Dorothy Silver (Kleinfeld), Rachel Leonard (The Bridal Counsel), Madeline Gardner (Morilee Bridal), Andrea Pitter (Pandora Bridal), Sareh Nouri (Sareh Nouri Bridal), Ivette Manners (@bridestyle), Michelle Roth (Michelle Roth Design Studio), Diane Forden (Bridal Guide). We extend our sincere gratitude to all who generously shared their time and expertise, and we are especially excited to welcome new judges Shawne Reece Jacobs of Anne Barge and Justin Warshaw of Justin Alexander—two iconic names in the bridal industry. Looking ahead, students will continue building on this momentum with the upcoming Fabric Sourcing Master Class led by Madeline Gardner on January 16th, featuring fabrics generously supplied by Allure Bridals.
Congratulations to the Bridal Class finalists: Arlinne Molina , Gabriella Nunez, Saccia Singh , Kendra Tejeda , and Zulimar Villarreal