For Immediate Release: Monday, March 21, 2016 Montgomery County’s First Lady Catherine Leggett and Councilmember Nancy Navarro joined Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz for the Fashion Boot Camp 101 Finale at the East County Community Recreation Center this evening. Leggett emceed the fashion show which is the cumulating event of the eight-week program. Fashion Boot Camp 101 aims to teach middle and high school students what it takes to be successful in the modeling industry. Male and female students participated in “boot camp” style workshops which trained students to walk, strike a pose and coordinate looks. They also learned about the behind-the-scenes production that is needed to bring a fashion show to life. “We are continually looking for new, innovative programs that provide Montgomery County youth with a fun, safe, and educational environment,” said Albornoz. “Fashion Boot Camp 101 was a great way to combine recreation with our youth’s interests in today’s style and fashion.” Throughout the eight weeks, students were divided into six teams and assigned tasks that taught the importance of teamwork, leadership, prioritization, time management, and hard work. Commitment was reinforced throughout the Friday night practices as students learned that being early to practice meant you were on time and being on time meant that you were late. They made sure to hold themselves, team members, and even their parents accountable. Fashion Boot Camp 101 was coordinated through the Recreation Department’s Youth Development team which provides a variety of recreation activities and services that allow children and teens to make the most of their time outside of school. Youth Development programs aim to help young people become healthier, gain leadership experience, develop career skills, and connect with caring adult role models. # # # Release ID: 16-107 Media Contact: Carmen Berrios Martinez 240-777-6875

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