JACKSON, Tenn. — The Mid-South’s largest prom runway fashion show takes place at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, but the night of glam is also serving a bigger purpose. It’s all about stage presence and seeing who has what it takes to impress the judges, all while supporting a great cause.
We headed downtown to the 15th Annual Lights, Camera, Fashion modeling show here in the Hub City. Hosted by the bridal and formalwear store My Best Friend Jenna, the foundation of this event is to inspire young ladies to create a strategy to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“What it is, is a prom themed fashion show where high school juniors and seniors are modeling the new prom fashions for My Best Friend Jenna. It’s about a six month program, and we raise money. They go through walking classes, speaking classes, dance classes, but it’s really about empowering women and building confidence,” said Lauren Hamilton, MC for Lights, Camera, Fashion 2026.
There are hundreds of girls who apply, but a limited number is selected. Those chosen build new relationships, learn modeling techniques, and develop a fundraising strategy. In 2025, the event raised more than $300,000 for St. Jude.
“They have a sisterhood, some of them find their college roommate in it. It makes us feel good that they’re having friendships of a lifetime doing things and working hard for one another,” said Lauren Hamilton, MC for Lights, Camera, Fashion 2026.
You have to be a junior or a senior and each lady will model dresses from the store, My Best Friend Jenna, that is chosen for them to showcase from designers that are carried in-store. The second dress is of their choice with the help of designer Jonathan Cane that in most cases duo as their prom dress for the year.
“They are competing for scholarship money. The top model will go to the world of prom with us, modeling fashions for us there in Atlanta,” explained Hamilton.
Participating models are from all across the region.
“We have 32 models this year. We started our very first year with 12 models, and we’ve had up to 50. We found that around about that 30 mark is the magic number for us to handle as well us our store My Best Friend Jenna,” said Hamilton.
If you’re interested in being a model you can find the registration link in their bio section.