Prom King Patrick McHenry and his date to the 2016 Prom, Hannah Richey |
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. |
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.
Yay, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry, kids can be so cruel now days and it shows that this little girl was raised right! Congratulations Patrick and your beautiful date!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! This leaves me speechless.....
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Proud of you, Hannah!
ReplyDelete