West Potomac Academy's fashion design class hosted professional designers from Bravo TV's Project Runway and The Fashion Show.

Jerell Scott and Reco Chapple shared their exciting stories with the class and answered the young designers' questions.

Chapple, who competed on The Fashion Show, and Scott, featured in Project Runway, were eager to reveal some tips on the designing and branding of their own clothing lines.

"It's your life. At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy," Scott said. "For me, design is what I would do for free. It's what I love."

"If you are a designer, you know it. You're good at it," Chapple said. "Seventy percent of designers don't make it because they don't know how to market themselves. They don't market a brand. Don't get caught in the rat race, and just do it."

The most important message students took away from the professionals was to pursue their dreams. The designers' encouragement excited the students, who are eager to design and potentially sell their creations.

"I really want to be a model before I get into designing," Mount Vernon junior Inno Espiritu said. "This class has given me the skills and confidence to pursue something I wouldn't have before. Today, I learned to never give up and love what you do."

Teacher Maggy Francois is a professional fashion designer and works as an event coordinator. Though teaching is her second job, she meets with this students everyday.

"Being in Maggy's class has been the best experience of my life," student Elise Butler said. "I've been given opportunities to learn about this world I love. I know I can never give up."

West Potomac Academy is one of six academies attended by students all over Fairfax County. These academies provide students with hands-on electives in fields they aspire to work in.

Programs at West Potomac include fashion design, graphic design, television production, dance and music industry. Without the academy, students wouldn't have the opportunity to learn these skills until college.

"I was the first boy to take this class," former student and designer of the Ugglee collection, Sam Mintah said. "Before it was only girls, but I wanted to be a designer. I signed up, and the next year two guys did. Now, there are seven."