Many students are able to follow their passions at OHS, but one student is getting a unique opportunity to gain experience in her field.

Megan Blanchard (11) is one of just three students from the St. Louis area to be selected as a youth designer assistant through the St. Louis Fashion Fund (STLFF). 

“I found the fashion fund after I needed a mentor for my MyPath class,” Blanchard said. “STLFF was very welcoming to me.”

On Thursday, Nov 7, Blanchard will be paired with a senior designer and will have two hours to design a sketch of an outfit. The senior designer will then have 48 hours to create the design, and Blanchard will return on Saturday, Nov 9 to assist with the final details. She will also present a portion of the oral presentation. 

Blanchard has been sewing and designing for many years. She has built her own high school schedule through the MyPath system and by sophomore year, was able to design and create her own homecoming dress.

“My sewing teacher, Mrs. Daughaday, has been helping me through my entire fashion journey,” Blanchard said. “But a lot of it has been self taught through research.”

Though Blanchard is excited for the opportunity, she doesn’t expect to win the competition. 

“I just want to get the experience of working with a professional designer and further my knowledge of the industry,” she said.

Blanchard will continue following her path as she hopes to major in fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design.