After skipping a couple of years in deference to COVID-19 precautions, Phil Campbell High School resumed its annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show, this year taking place Feb. 10 in the school gym.

Held in memory of PCHS senior Shelby Grissom, who passed away Nov. 9, 2008, the event serves as a fundraiser for the scholarship created in Shelby’s memory to benefit a PCHS senior at Northwest-Shoals Community College. All proceeds from the show are allocated to the NW-SCC Foundation Scholarship Program in her memory.

“I’m pleased and honored to bring back the Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show this year,” said PCHS FCCLA Sponsor and Family and Consumer Science teacher Aleaha Harris. “The outpouring of support is truly heartwarming. We’ve had a tremendous response from sponsors, and we’re proud to see such a wonderful turnout to honor Shelby and keep her memory alive.”

A junior high and varsity cheerleader, Shelby Lynn Grissom, born May 21, 1991, was voted the senior class favorite girl as well as friendliest girl. She was also selected as a member of the senior class Homecoming Court and voted Homecoming Queen.

Daughter to Keith and Deb Grissom and younger sister to Addie Grissom Brown, Shelby is fondly remembered by many. Devoted to her friends and family, she also enjoyed spending time with her dog Prissy, watching Alabama football, drinking Dr. Pepper and watching “Hannah Montana.” Her love for fashion and dressing up inspired the annual fashion show in her memory.

Some of Shelby’s favorite songs were played during the show, including “Toxic” by Brittany Spears, “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani, “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers, “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga and “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon.

One of Shelby’s cousins, Lydia Garrison, participated in the fashion show and also spoke. “This is a wonderful legacy for Shelby,” said Garrison. “We appreciate everyone who participates, attends and otherwise supports the show, scholarship and sharing of remembrances of Shelby.”

Kelsey Pruitt Johnson, one of Shelby’s friends, also spoke. Recollections included memories of Shelby having never met a stranger and always wearing a big smile. “Ms. Harris really went above and beyond, putting in many long hours to help make the show a success,” Pruitt Johnson noted. “It was a true representation of who Shelby was. She loved a spectacle, and she was a people person, so the more people around her, the better she liked it.”

Pruitt Johnson said although none of the students who participated were old enough to remember Shelby, they all appreciated the significance of being part of the show, understanding it wasn’t just about wearing fancy clothes but about remembering Shelby and honoring her through raising as much as possible for her scholarship.

“They all did a fabulous job. As young as Shelby was, she was already a pivotal part of Franklin County,” Pruitt Johnson said. “She was the highlight of the school – that one kid everybody knew and loved. It’s been fourteen years, and people still talk about her and share memories that are just as vivid as when they happened.”

Shelby’s mother, Deborah Grissom, attended. “I appreciate all of the community support, including businesses that help support her scholarship and keep her memory alive,” Grissom said. “Shelby has great friends who, even after this long, haven’t forgotten her, and that’s a wonderful thing. They always remember Shelby and make time to help keep her memory alive, even though they have their own lives.”

Twenty-one girls and four boys participated: Kameron Barnard, Acie Cannon, Abby Garrison, Jodie Kline, Grace-Lyn Habada, Patience Mays, Sheena Smith, Aaliyah Prince, Ruby Torres, Autumn Barton, Brittany Storey, Harmony Gaisser, Chesney Hamby, Hannah King, Allie Herring, Ciara McCarley, Allie Smith, Lexi Pounders, Alexis Stewart, Morgan Rollins, Lydia Garrison, Mason Swinney, Cameron Habada, Sage Raper and Zy Traywick.

This year’s show was sponsored by PCHS’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Cherry Tree Lane, Kyle & Co Menswear, Suzy’s Boutique, Grey Barn Boutique and Maggie J’s Boutique. Door prizes were sponsored by Phil Campbell Drugs, 43 Grill, Backwoods Grill, Hello Gorgeous, Parker’s Merchandise, The Grind, Phil Campbell Dollar General, Russellville Nutrition, Russellville Florist & Gifts, Maggie J’s Boutique, Suzy’s Boutique, Rancho, El Patrón, Homestead Café, Phil Campbell Nutrition, Family Pharmacy of Russellville, W&W Gifts, Audrey’s Gifts and Decor and 306 Barbecue.

Show coordinators also extended special thanks to PCES Principal Channing Wright and the PCES faculty, PCHS Principal Darit Riddle, Assistant Principal Kelby Daniel, the PCHS faculty, Sammi Jo McConnell, Caleb Beason, Kathryn Robinson of Cherry Tree Lane, Sydney Medley of Kyle and Co. Menswear, Kristi Wilbanks of Maggie J’s Boutique, Jammie Hutcheson of Grey Barn Boutique and Suzy Whitehead of Suzy’s Boutique.