Celina senior lights the way at prom with colorful dress

CELINA - Not much can stop Shelby Sinclair from accomplishing a goal once she sets her mind to it.

Sinclair has been an artist, a plumber, a mechanic, a woodworker and most recently a seamstress - and she's only a senior in high school. Two years ago she saw a video online of a costume designer who made beautiful dresses that, with the loosening of a button, transform into another dress.

"I said, 'Hey, that's cool' and then thought 'Hey, I can do that.' "

Last year the Celina High School student made her own prom dress - a purple, full-length ballgown. This year, Sinclair has spent more than 100 hours on a prom dress made of an array of different fabrics. A high neckline made of lace, a tulle skirt filled with lights and a removable outer skirt are just a handful of elements that make up the ensemble.
"This is my most ambitious project to date," she said.
Sinclair said she knew from her experience at last year's prom that she wanted a high neckline and a short hem, so she could dance. However, she also wanted a longer skirt for promenade. Thus the removable outer skirt was added. And the lights?

"I like electronic and shiny things," she said, laughing.

Although this is Sinclair's second year sewing, she's already made an assortment of garments. Skirts, boleros and aprons top the list.

Sinclair's sense of curiosity and willingness to learn has resulted in a diverse range of accomplishments. She's worked on cars, installed roofing, completed woodworking, helped remodel her home and replaced plumbing, although she said plumbing is her least favorite project.

Her interest in 18th-century culture stems from family trips to historical re-enactments in Springfield; Lafayette, Indiana; and Ligonier, Pennsylvania. She has plans to make a period-accurate riding outfit and soon wants to tackle blacksmithing.

Sinclair plans to attend Heidelberg University in Tiffin to co-major in premedicine and biology with a minor in chemistry.