Kacie’s Closet at FHS Carries on the Legacy of Former Student

February 27, 2024

Maria Vollom,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — For many high school students, prom is just around the corner and it’s no secret that gowns and tuxes cost more than a pretty penny. Enter Kacie’s closet at Falls High School.

Kacie’s Closet is like a big sisters closet to not only the rural community of International Falls, but surrounding towns like Littlefork and Fort Frances. It’s filled with formal attire for students and anyone in need of an outfit to try on and borrow.

Kacie’s Closet was created in 2021 and opened in 2022 in honor of Kacie Dault who passed away unexpectedly in October of 2018. Dault was born and raised in International Falls.

She was described by her sister Hailey as having a huge heart, and an even bigger closet. One way that Hailey looked to keep her legacy alive was through her dresses.

“Kacie’s sister, Hailey, reached out to a friend of mine, Toni Korpi, asking Toni what she could do with these dresses that were Kacies that she wore to different events.” FHS Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Karla Line went on to say, “so Toni came to me and asked if I had an idea or a place to house them and that’s really how Kacie’s Closet began.”

Line has turned a portion of her extended classroom into Kacie’s Closet. So far, she says they’ve collected over 200 dresses, 29 pairs of shoes, a tuxedo, suits and more.

It’s safe to say that the local response has been great. Line and Korpi hope to carry on this project in Kacie’s name.

“Toni and I both believe that we just want to ensure that we’re doing what we can to keep Kacie’s memory alive, while we talk about the beautiful soul that she was,” Line stated.

The daughters of Line and Korpi, Karsen and Olivia, have also been huge contributors to the success of Kacie’s Closet. The family of Kacie Dault is still heavily involved.

Those interested can check out the closet on lunch breaks, before or after school. The goal is to have items returned roughly a week after said event. Donated items can be dropped off at FHS between 8am – 4pm.