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Teens In Need Get Their Cinderella Moment

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Dozens of local girls got a makeover in time for a milestone date – prom.

That wasn't the only surprise.

All these South Florida teenage girls were so excited they just couldn't help themselves.

Chosen to be part of "Say Yes To The Prom," one-hour special on cable's TLC, the young ladies spent their day picking out a prom dress, the perfect shoes, the sparkly finishing touches and of course, being made up.

The 50 or so girls came from low income families with humble means but impressive academic records.

It was a Cinderella moment if ever there was one and you could hear it in their voices and see it in their smiles.

"I feel comfortable, happy 'cause I didn't expect to have this beautiful dress. My head's getting big. This is my final dress....I love it," said Mary.

"For my family they couldn't pay for all of this 'cause I'm pretty sure if I would not be here today they would not be able to pay for this. I wouldn't be able to go to prom," said South Ridge Senior High student Yurisleydy.

"Say Yes To The Prom" is in its second year in Miami. It's an initiative meant to empower and inspire deserving young women, celebrating their academic achievements and helping them prep for the prom without worrying about money.

The show's fashion experts shared some advice on shopping for the prom – keep an open mind.

"They walk in the door with something specific in mind. At least half the time after trying on different things, they fall in love with the look they had never thought about wearing," said designer Sherry Hill.

"When it comes to prom, the advice really is, is it comfortable and can you move in it. You wanna be able to dance. This is a party. So it's very interesting to talk to these girls...they're so excited," said Monte Durham with TLC's "Say Yes To The Dress."

While all the sparkle and shine is reason enough for these huge and smiles, the girls got one more surprise and it was the biggest one yet – a scholarship given by Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

"Coming from a former homeless kid who grew up in poverty to connect with young ladies who are incredibly bright, very deserving but very needy and they get to experience a day at the Biltmore in a beautiful prom dress, a guaranteed future, my heart is happy," said Carvalho.

"Say Yes To The Dress" also chose young ladies from other cities including Los Angeles and Dallas. The one hour "Say Yes To The Prom" special airs on TLC on May 20th.

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