It Sounded Like a Fairy Tale, but it was Real!

Prom King Patrick McHenry and his date to the 2016 Prom, Hannah Richey

Sometimes we live in this world and fail to see goodness that surrounds us.  However, you will not be able to miss it in this heartwarming story.

Just after Christmas, during a professional development meeting at Warren High School, the teacher

Patrick and Hannah make their way down the isle of the Cultural Center
to go on stage for senior walk.

of the students with special needs told the faculty that one of his students, Patrick McHenry told him that all he really wanted for his senior year was "a date to the prom with a girl."  One of the other teachers shared this with her students who are juniors.  Within a couple of days, a young lady approached the teacher and told her that she had discussed this with her parents and that she really wanted to take Patrick to the prom.  That young lady was none other than Hannah Richey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Richey.

Hannah's looked disappointed when her teacher had to share with her that Patrick has a brain tumor and that it would be better if she waited until his next visit to his doctors to determine if he would even be able to attend this special event.  The wait was nearly a month.

When word finally came that Patrick would not be having surgery in March, Hannah and some of her friends worked through their lunch creating a poster asking Patrick to go to the Prom with her.  With poster in hand and a whole class of mostly girls following her, Hannah went to Patrick's classroom and asked him,  "Patrick, would you like to go to the prom with me?"

Patrick and Hannah living out that fairy tale
moment crossing the stage during senior
walk.  It was a dream come true for Patrick.

Patrick belted out, "Yes!" as he pumped his fist in the air.

The two coordinated their attire, Hannah wearing a white floor-length formal embellished with gold embroidery trim and Patrick selecting a white tuxedo with a gold vest.  Hannah worked hard to make sure Patrick's night was just as special as all other students.  They set up a pre-prom picture session - one picture captured a coveted kiss on the cheek, dined together, and participated in senior walk.  (Patrick is a senior.)  When they went to the prom, the dancing commenced.  Patrick, who has had difficulty walking much of his life, was the life of the party and danced the night away.

Patrick has cerebral palsy, a brain tumor, and suffers from seizures.  He has persevered through school despite setbacks from his health.  Patrick will be graduating in May.

The students attending the prom elected Patrick as Prom King.  This was not his first honor this year. The senior class elected him Mr. Warren High School.

So, the next time you hear someone talking about how bad kids today are, think back on this story. The great thing is  while it had a the makings of a fairy tale, it was real.  Patrick's mother, Bridgett McHenry Parks, said, "Patrick will never forget this night!"

See more Warren Prom photos on the Schools Page.