Six Carver High School students earned support for their prom attire through essay submissions.

As Maurice Urbina carefully sorted through racks of suits, weighing colors and styles, one detail was already decided: a burgundy tie to match his prom date’s dress.  
 
“I’m excited for my first prom and it’s important that we coordinate!” said the junior from George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. 
 
Carver is a selective admissions public school located just blocks from Temple’s Main Campus. 
 
Urbina was one of six students from Carver recently treated to a prom shopping experience made possible through a partnership between Temple University Public Safety and Norton Towing. The students were selected through a competitive essay competition as part of a community-focused initiative aimed to uplift Temple’s North Philadelphia neighbors. 

“Each student submitted an essay reflecting on what attending prom would mean to them,” said Jennifer Griffin, chief of police and vice president for public safety. “From those submissions, six students were selected to receive full support for their prom attire, helping ensure they could participate in a milestone event that can often come with financial barriers.” 

Temple police officers Leroy Wimberly and Arashdeep Bawa took two young men shopping and said the effort was about reinforcing that their hard work matters. 

“They put in the effort and earned this,” Wimberly said. “We’re honored to be a small part of such an important night."  

Officer Bawa added it’s important to continue building relationships that go beyond campus boundaries.  
 
“When there is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful and personal way, we’re happy to take part in it,” Bawa said. “For these students, they’ll go to prom not only feeling great in their clothes but feeling supported, too. That’s important because supporting the North Philadelphia community is a part of our mission.” 

The selected students said shopping with Temple Police was an experience they will always remember. 
 
“Prom can be very expensive. There are the suits, the cars you’re going to be riding in, flowers, and it all adds up,” Urbina said. “So I’m grateful for Temple that they are there for me, the community and they’re here to help us.”  
 
Urbina added that he is considering attending Temple for photography in fall 2027. 
 
“I can really see myself growing as an artist at Temple,” he said. “The photography program is second to none, and having a school like that right here in our backyard makes it an easy choice.” 
 
Last year, 45 Carver students joined Temple’s first-year class—a record for the school. 

For his prom outfit, Urbina picked a gray suit, black shoes and a burgundy tie, which Temple and Norton Towing purchased. 
 
“We could have rented suits and dresses for the students, but we wanted them to have professional attire for after prom. In case they need clothing for a job interview or another important function, now they have it,” Wimberly said. “Prom is their moment,” Griffin said. “They’ve earned it and we’re proud to support them.”