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Mother and daughter collect caps, gowns to graduates who can't afford them

293 views · Published 27 May 2016 · 1:53 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2016 · News & Politics

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HAMILTON, Ohio (Sydney Benter) - A mother and daughter came together to collect caps and gowns for high school seniors who can't afford them.

Samantha Stapleton, a freshman at Hamilton High School, found out some seniors didn't have the money for caps and gowns and feared they wouldn't be able to walk on graduation day. She went straight to her mom and asked how they could help.

"My mom knows so many people all over the country, and they all were able to donate, whether it was caps and gowns or money too," said Samantha.

Her mom, Melissa Fietsam, just bought a cap and gown for her son who's graduating without thinking twice. She knows not everyone is that lucky.

"You know, we've been in that spot before--we're not now, but we've been there, and I know how it is, so it was heartbreaking to think that somebody couldn't come up with that money," said Fietsam.

The mom and daughter put the word out on social media. In less than two days they collected more than 40 gowns and $1,500 for the school to purchase gowns.

School administrators say they've never had a student not walk at graduation because they can't afford a cap and gown. Faculty and staff usually come together to make sure everyone who needs a gown gets one. This year, they got some help and they've already got a jump start on next year.

"People hear about things and they're always willing to help, and I just think that says a lot about our community and the people who live and work in the community," says Joni Copas with Hamilton City Schools.

Hamilton High School students graduate Wednesday night at Millett Hall in Oxford.

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