Home-schooled students rarely have the chance to attend the prom unless invited by a public school friend, boyfriend or girlfriend.
At least, that’s the way it used to be. A home-school prom is being held for the first time in Johnson County and students say they couldn’t be more thrilled.
“I’m excited about the big, poofy pink dress,” 14-year-old Miracle Smith-Tatum said.
Davon Moore, 17, said he looks forward to meeting other kids like him and making new friends.
“Within the Johnson County home-school community, we have quite a few high schoolers that wanted to have a prom,” home-school mom Ronica Moore said.
Many students who have been home-schooled since they were young are now coming up on the age where they ask for a prom and other high school events that public school students take part in, mom Sandi Ringer said.
“We’ve added events every year, and now it’s time for prom and graduation,” she said.
The prom, dubbed “A Night to Remember,” is from 7-11 p.m. May 23 at the Cleburne Conference Center, 1501 W. Henderson St. Tickets are $50 per person.
Students should dress formally. A candy buffet and finger foods will be served. Professional photos are provided by Tippi Charis Photography, with photo packages starting at $23.
“This opens everything up,” Moore said. “To have Johnson County doing this makes the doors wide open for kids from all over.”
Previous home-school proms have been held in Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco and areas beyond, she said. And many of those proms quickly sold out. Having the prom in Cleburne is an opportunity for students outside the county to take part in their own event.
Jordyn Dunaway, 14, said she was in public school for several years before moving to home-school and feared she’d miss the one event all teenage girls look forward to.
“I already bought my dress,” she said, adding, “It’s exciting because we get to help decide what the prom will be like.”
The home-school moms said they’re prepared to give their children an unforgettable event.
“The prom is one of the only things we don’t have here,” prom organizer Jennifer Dunaway said. “We have sports, band, cheerleading ... but not prom.”
Organizers are also planning for a June 28 graduation ceremony, at a location to be announced.
Fundraiser Margie Dunckel said several people have already applied for the ceremony and organizers are hoping to get area seniors together a few times before walking the stage so they are familiar with each other.
Those interested in either event should call Jennifer Dunaway at 972-342-5099.
