The CTE Fashion Merchandising Fashion Show has come a long way in its 13 years.

The event began with a bang, drawing more than 500 people to its first show, and since then, the runway and the crowd has grown significantly with each new show.

This year, coordinator and CTE Fashion Merchandising instructor Angie Anaya believes her current group of students will continue to raise the bar.

There’s already a first – this year’s class has stretched the bounds of creativity by approaching fashion through the lens of sustainability and recycling.

“I’ve been proud of the students from every single year for creating their version of the fashion show,” Anaya said, “and this year’s class has made me extremely proud of how sustainability and creativity has been the driving theme that will be featured on the runway.”

The fashion show is slated for Saturday, March 25, at 6 p.m. inside Winter Gym on the campus of Manteca High School. Every facet of the fashion show is student-driven, from the models to the designers to the stylists and those working tirelessly behind the scenes.

For a district with nearly 24,000 students, the fashion show is one of the few events that ties the entire district together.

Here’s snapshot of the district-wide effort being poured into this year’s show:

(bullet) The models were selected from casting calls at Manteca High, Sierra High, East Union High, and Lathrop High.

(bullet) Manteca High will provide the security (JROTC), photo and video production, and floral arrangements.

(bullet) The CTE Culinary department is helping with the VIP event; and CTE Careers with Children is watching the mini models.

It’s a process, warns Anaya. Planning for the show began months ago, and hundreds of students from across a 113-square mile radius have had their fingerprints on it.

“The CTE Fashion Merchandising Fashion Show allows students from multiple schools to collaborate in the production of an event that allows them to further develop skills in leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity,” Anaya said. “Plus, it’s a dynamic experience where students can express themselves in a positive environment while showcasing fashion trends.”

Manteca High senior Gurjot Kaur has served as the head of multiple committees; the benefit of that experience stretches beyond the show. In addition to creating a show that services an entire district and will be watched by thousands, Kaur can point to the life skills she has received.

She’s overcome obstacles and challenges, learned to think critically, and she’s been asked to exercise collaboration.

“I am … grateful I was given these opportunities,” said Kaur, a Fashion Merchandising student, “and the chance to prove my abilities and take responsibility for the decisions I have made.”

For Manteca High’s Marcus Torrez, the production has taught him patience and the value of teamwork and trust.

“This process has taught me to be patient while working with a group of people,” he said. “And learning to depend on others to make sure things run smoothly and efficiently, so that people are not overwhelmed with the stress of an increasing number of tasks and responsibilities.”

For others, the fashion show has become a platform for expression and a place where talent has been allowed to explode.

This year’s fashion show will include a collection of 20 student-designed garments created from upcycled denim. Five students worked to create a Thrift Collection, three outfits which were curated and collected with a $40 budget.

The other collections include Graffiti, Film, Culture, Prom, Fantasy, Monochromatic, Decades, Spirit, Mini Models, Old Navy, and Maurice’s.

Paul Mitchell, the school, will help with hair and makeup, along with Manteca Unified volunteers. Leonard Photography will also capture the event through its lenses. FIDM donated items for the glam bags, while Maurice’s and Old Navy also donated outfits. One Motion Dance Group will also perform.

“My goal is for my students to work together to create a fashion show they are proud of while working through the challenges they will face,” Anaya said. “And for them to have fun, for their models to have fun and for the audience to enjoy a fun evening.”

Tickets can be purchased for $5. For more information on ticket sales and the fashion show, send a message to “CTEfashionshow” on Instagram or visit Room 109 at Manteca High.