High school prom is magical. It's one of those things that you miss out on and then regret not going for the rest of your life.
But for some people, it's not an option. And that was the case for Ray Svejnoha. According to People, he had a much higher duty than having a good time with some friends - serving his country.
He had never ended up going to prom because he had been drafted into the army just days before. In his words, he "didn't have too much choice." Before he got took into the military, he had completed exams for the Navy as well as the Army Air Force.
But when students at Metea Valley High School were told this sad story, they wanted to make things right for the veteran. During a session at the high school's "Tech Connect club", Svejnoha brought it up. The club helps older people get to grips with technology.
When an adviser for the club heard about it, she leapt into action. Carey Peterson explained, "That's where my little lightbulb went on. I think we can help him out with that."
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Students Planned a Heartwarming Prom for the Veteran
And she got a group of students together to help make the prom special for the veteran.
And they even did the most iconic part of a prom - the "promposal". They showed up to Svejnoha with an assortment of American-colored items, alongside a wonderful handmade sign that read, "82 years late, but right on time."
And the whole thing really took him off guard. While he said he didn't really think all too hard about the fact he missed prom, the excitement of the students just made him excited too!
And it wasn't just students that got involved. Community sponsors were there to help him out, too. They decked him out with a haircut, manicure, and even a suave tuxedo. He even ended up being driven to prom in a vintage trolley!
He was greeted by cheers from the students, and overall just given such a wonderful time. His reaction? He took to the mic, and said. "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this, and I love you all."
