Deanna & Jen Go to the Prom

It's been 15 years since my prom. Hard to believe that it's been that long. Last night, I went back to the prom.

Why? A few months ago, when Jennifer Stehlar (Mrs. New York American Beauty 2008) and I talked about pre-prom assemblies, and getting the word out about the dangers of drinking and driving, I suggested going to the prom to give kids another reminder of the dangers of DWI right there at the event itself. Iroquois Central High School agreed, and last night Jen and I went to the prom!

The prom was held at the Hyatt in downtown Buffalo. We set up a table, I brought Karen's picture, and we encouraged teens to sign a "pre-prom" promise, pledging not to drink and drive and encouraging others to do the same. I am happy to say we collected 50 signatures from teens, and I was very pleased to see a few people signing the pledge without encouragement from Jen and I - they took the pledge on their own. We are proud of each and every signature received at the event, and Iroquois students really are a "great group of kids".

We enjoyed a delicious dinner with Iroquois faculty, and soon afterwards posed for our official prom picture. After a little coaxing from me, Jen and I stepped onto the dance floor and had a great time dancing up a storm! We even helped crown the royal court - prom princess, prom queen, etc. for the event. It was a pleasure being part of last night's special event for Iroquois seniors.

I've attached several pictures from the prom to this blog, and my second blog on Buffalo.com/YourHub has more observations on how times have changed since my prom.

A special thank you to Jenn, Iroquois Principal Dennis Kenney, Trooper DePlato, Jeff Toy, and many others who made the night so memorable.

Deanna