HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Cinderella Project of the Shenandoah Valley will host its second annual Back-to-School and Homecoming Fashion Show on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Valley Mall in Harrisonburg.

The free event will showcase back-to-school and homecoming fashions while giving local students an opportunity to gain confidence and experience on the runway.

This year’s fashion show will feature special appearances by 2026 Miss Virginia, Maddie Marchant, and 2026 Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Caedyn Riddle. Both will model their own outfits, perform talent presentations during intermission, sign autographs and share runway and modeling tips with participating students.

The event is organized by Rhonda Howdyshell, founder of The Cinderella Project of the Shenandoah Valley, a nonprofit organization that has helped teens in need find prom and homecoming attire for more than 22 years.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for area students to step into the spotlight and shine,” Howdyshell said.

In addition to homecoming attire available through The Cinderella Project, student models will also showcase their own back-to-school outfits. Valley Mall retailer JCPenney is partnering with the event by providing complimentary fashion show outfits for participants and offering discounts on featured clothing for those who wish to purchase it.

The show will also include Miss Virginia’s Little Sisters, a group of students ages 3 to 13, who will model both a runway outfit of their choice and a back-to-school look.

Organizers are inviting students, both young women and young men, to participate in the fashion show. No previous modeling experience is required.

Those interested in modeling or learning more about the event can contact ValleyCinderellaProject@gmail.com.