There were fancy dresses and coats and ties, a variety of familiar dance music selections, a Paris theme with decorations and a photo backdrop, lots of food and some very excited teenagers.
It was a prom like any other with a few exceptions.
This prom, the sixth annual Angel Prom, combined all five Killeen ISD high schools. It featured five sets of king and queen pairs, chosen at random by drawing.
It also featured lots of parent participants and a small army of local sponsors to make it all happen.
Killeen ISD’s annual Special Education Angel Prom is special by any definition.
Its biggest champion is Shoemaker High School at-risk liaison Letha Reeves.
Dressed Saturday in her prom best, Reeves took the stage of the school cafeteria alongside the DJ about halfway through the four-hour event and announced the five prom kings and queens.
Before that, though, she brought up friends, community sponsors, even her college-age niece who makes the trip from Dallas every year to help her beloved aunt.
There’s a whole community that seems to consider Reeves their beloved aunt and they were hard at work, before, during and after the prom to make sure it was special.
It was.
Senior Kaleyah Korb, Shoemaker’s Student Council president, was one of several student volunteers enjoying the prom while serving.
“It’s just the people. It’s very good energy in here,” she said of the excitement of Angel Prom.
“The students get to have a high school experience and have fun.” Korb said she preferred this version of the prom to the more traditional ones she’s attended.
Parents and other family members are welcomed and encouraged to attend and participate to whatever level is comfortable for them and their child.
Kathryn Peterson and her daughter, Emily, a sophomore at Chaparral High, attended with their son and brother, Jonathan, a senior at Harker Heights High School and one of the prom kings.
“I think what’s cool about the Angel Prom is the collaboration between (all the students),” said Emily. “They come together, and they have the best time of their life.”
“Everyone comes together to support our kids,” said Kathryn Peterson. “We’re very appreciative.”
Maria Rodriguez attended the prom with her nephew, Isaiah Capetillo, a senior at Ellison High School.
She praised Reeves for attending to the needs of every child, even meeting dietary requirements, and having a nurse on duty.
“It’s his senior year, it’s senior prom and it’s special needs. It’s just for him,” said Rodriguez. “It’s awesome they are here and are having fun, enjoying the music. He’s watching everyone dance and throwing his hands in the air.”
