By Kat Woodruff-Carter
On the morning of January 23, 2024, the Davie High Soaring Eagles took a trek to Candyland for their annual Hope Prom. They were accompanied by both Ellis and South Davie Middle School’s special education programs at the event held at First Baptist Church in Downtown Mocksville. Hope Prom provides the students in these programs with an opportunity to experience a night full of fancy outfits, food, dancing, and fun.
On the day of Hope Prom, all students started their day off at the high school. They all took pictures before heading on a bus to downtown Mocksville. On the bus, student Tiesha had the biggest smile and couldn’t wait for the party. The girls gushed about how HipChics formal wear let them try on dresses, and student Dustin, also known as Dusty, got his tuxedo from HipChics formal wear as well.
For two students, Katelyn and Sarah, this event marked their final Hope Prom before they graduated in the fall. Katelyn especially loved the dress that her mom picked out for her. She attended the dance with her mom and friends. Her favorite part was coloring, dancing, and eating food during the dance. Sarah was pleased with the hair that was done by Mrs. Valerie. Sarah’s favorite part was seeing old teachers from summer camp. Both Sarah and Katelyn are sad that this was the last Hope Prom.
For all the students in attendance, it was unanimous that dancing was their favorite activity. Dusty specifically loved “dancing with the ladies.” Another student, Weldon, danced like Michael Jackson by doing the moonwalk, and Dusty did the worm. Dusty also enjoyed all the love songs that were played. Another student, Khalil, loved dancing and eating and remarked, “I miss Hope Prom already.” For Annabelle Lakey, her favorite part was the balloons. She loved to throw them up in the air and catch them. Lakey’s favorite song was “The Wobble.” Along with dancing, Tiesha and Khalil gushed about how good the food was.
Gianna Goslen, the lead teacher for the Soaring Eagles, calls Hope Prom the best day of the year and says that students talk about Hope Prom from the first day of class.
Davie High’s National Honor Society puts on the Hope Prom each year. This year, the committee heads were seniors Brooklyn Lakey, Kathryn Harpe, Sam Froelich, Ali Cranfill, Skylar Link, and Sophia Brady. For months, they planned food and decorations, raised funds, and coordinated with teachers and parents so all attendees could have the prom outfit of their dreams! Additionally, companies like Meg Brown Home Furnishing, Cugino Forno, and Hercules OEM donated to raise funds and other resources to ensure the event’s success. Brooklyn Lakey, Caroline Lakey, and Ali Cranfil were able to pick up hundreds of dresses for all the girls to try on. “Brooklyn worked extremely hard to ensure everything went perfectly,” Cranfill noted.
Senior Sophia Brady, who helped with fundraising, gushed about how much this process and event affected her. Her favorite part was watching individuals try on their dresses and tuxedos.
“This was so special because I was able to see their faces light up once they found the perfect outfit… I think this event has brought Davie High students together because it has allowed us to have one goal, and that is to ensure that these students have the most magical time.”
Ask any of the Soaring Eagles about their hopes for next year and there is no shortage of ideas. Some have hopes for a circus full of games like “Pie in the Face.” Another longs for a Moana theme or something involving Disney or fairytales. Lakey chimed in with “Super Mario!!!” Katelyn, who is graduating, gave the idea of the 80s. Colyn then asked for disco lights!
Overall, the Soaring Eagles gushed about the night and can’t wait to see what Davie High’s National Honor Society puts on next year.