PCHS remembers Shelby Grissom with memorial fashion show

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Phil Campbell High School student Shelby Lynn Grissom would have been 32 this spring. Fondly remembered by many and celebrated by even those who never had the chance to get to know her, her memory continues to shine brightly.

Born May 21, 1991, Grissom died Nov. 9, 2008, because of a debilitating illness – during her senior year, when she was 17 years old.

She had a love for fashion and dressing up, which is what prompted the annual memorial fashion show in her name, to honor and celebrate her life.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the scholarship created in Grissom’s memory, which benefits a PCHS senior who will attend Northwest-Shoals Community College.

This year’s show, held Feb. 9, was sponsored by CherryTree Lane, Kyle & Co Menswear, Suzy’s Boutique, Grey Barn Boutique, Maggie J’s Boutique and the PCHS FCCLA. The PCHS Family and Consumer Sciences department hosts the memorial fashion show.

This year’s event saw about 400 attending. Kelsey Johnson was the speaker.

FACS teacher and show coordinator Aleah Harris said FACS is proud to help keep Shelby’s memory alive.

“Our theme this year was based on Shelby’s junior prom dress, a short black dress with pink and white polka dots,” Harris said. The dress featured front and center on stage during the show.

She said the students in the fashion class made and wore outfits inspired by Grissom’s, with each being black, white, pink or a combination.

“It’s an honor to get to do this again this year, and we tried to incorporate as many details of Shelby as we could,” Harris said, noting some of Grissom’s favorite songs were played during the show, including “Toxic” by Britney Spears, “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers, “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani, “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga, “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon and “Best of Both Worlds,” the Hannah Montana theme song.

Kylee Welborn, a PCHS senior in the fashion class, said it was “a great honor to be able to participate in this show to honor Shelby for the people who loved her with all of their hearts.”

“It was a really fun experience, and we got to express our creativity and individuality,” Welborn added. “I feel like what we are doing is a good way to help remember Shelby, and I’m glad to be part of that.”

For Grissom’s cousin Lydia Garrison – who participated in the show including this year and this past year – it’s “such an honor to get to recognize Shelby and have a day dedicated to her memory.”

The PCHS fashion class recreated Grissom’s junior prom dress, and Garrison wore it in this year’s show.

“I’m so thankful for the experience and opportunity this brings me to help remember Shelby,” Garrison said.

She said Grissom’s family and friends appreciate everyone who participates, attends and otherwise supports the show and scholarship.

“We love her and miss her forever, and she’ll always be in our hearts,” added Garrison. “This is a wonderful legacy for Shelby.”

Fashion show models included Garrison, Jordis Cleveland, Sidda Rogers, Raegan Misner, Emma Hutchison, Aaliyah Prince, Sadie Hill, Kylee Welborn, Madison Branch, Maddie Raper, Giselle Torres, Anna Faye Prince, Allie Herring, Chesney Hamby, Autumn Barton, Tasha Trapp, Hannah Welborn, Payton Herron, Bailee Burfield, Addie James, Isabella Laurence, Shiloh Madden, Kylie Mather, Reagan Moss, Anna Norton, patience Mays, Bella Welch, Jolie Kline, Mary Beth Fisher, Grace Baker, Destiny Rollins, Aryanna Santoni, Harmony Gaisser, Brooklynn Adams and Kayden Headlee.

Escorts included Jeitt Traywick, Sage Ranger, Cam Habada, Hunter Baker, Jacob Barnwell, Noah Raper and Kyle Pace.

Grissom was daughter to Keith and Deb Grissom and younger sister to Addie Grissom Brown. Those who knew her describe her as having been devoted to her friends and family.

She enjoyed spending time with her dog Prissy, watching Alabama football, drinking Dr. Pepper and watching “Hannah Montana.”

She was a junior high and varsity cheerleader, and she was voted the senior class favorite girl and friendliest girl. She was also selected as a member of the senior class Homecoming Court and voted Homecoming Queen.

“To know her was to love her, and I miss her every day,” explained Shelby’s aunt, Joslyn Garrison, who works at the school. “It means so much to see Shelby continue to be remembered in this way.”