A local high school academic club is organizing a show that will help Suffolk prepare for prom season this year.

Nansemond River High School’s DECA club will present its “Beyond the Lights” fashion show on April 6. The show will be at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria and raise money for the school DECA club.

Local photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and jewelry vendors at the event will offer parents and students more affordable options for prom this year. The Portsmouth House of Glam Boutique is sponsoring the event, along with Men’s Warehouse.

“We wanted to educate people on a reliable resource for prom that wasn’t going to break the bank or pockets of the parents,” DECA co-advisor Candace Credle said.

She said the purpose is to eliminate the stress of prom by connecting parents with reputable business owners.

“Prom is totally different now from when I was in school,” Credle said. “Parents are doing more, spending more, and looking for more people they can trust to provide a service they need.”

A dozen Nansemond River students will model suits and dresses in a show inspired by the DECA club’s fashion show presentations organized for competitions against other district high schools earlier this year.

“They’re taking their concept from their DECA presentation and bringing it to life by working together,” Credle said.

Nansemond River junior Dylan Heyman joined the club this school year. During the December district competition, the 17-year-old enjoyed the challenge of roleplaying as a store manager for judges.

“I had to explain to some judges how I would do that,” Heyman said. “It was a really interesting concept of putting you on the spot and getting you to think really hard about it.”

He said his friends and his interest in business convinced him to join DECA. The club seemed “really cool” to him. Residents can support Heyman and his fellow students by buying a ticket and enjoying the show.

“You’ll probably see nothing like it again,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets will be sold at the door at $10 for adults and $5 for students.