A Prom For High School Drop Outs
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Everyone deserves a prom. That's the mantra of a Philadelphia non-profit that works with high school drop outs. The group is making sure their latest group of GED grads gets that special day.
From the gowns and sparkly shoes, to the tuxedos and ties, 60 youth will get the night they missed.
"I had a baby in the 12th grade and I dropped out a month before graduation," says Sioani Jackson, 20. But last month, the mother of two enjoyed her first of many successes-- she picked up her GED and signed up for classes at Community College of Philadelphia.
"I feel so proud of myself and so accomplished," she says.
Jackson enrolled in the Education, Employment and Empowerment Center run by JEVs last August and is one of the 60 youth, ages 16-to-21, who are getting their GED. And for the first time since the E3 center opened, they are holding a prom for the grads to celebrate.
"This is a life changing event," says Tara Mullen, director of youth services at JEVS, "it's a right of passage for girls, it's a right of passage for boys."
So for two days this week, the back rooms of the E3 Center on North Broad Street was transformed into a GlamFit Boutique. With racks of donated dresses and suits, shoes and accessories, the class could choose a free outfit for the big day.
"I had a hard time finding something, but I like it," says Nicole Reid, 20. Known as "peanut butter and jelly," Nicole and Sioani are best friends. They started the journey to get their lives on track together, and they'll end it at the prom.
"I'll be thinking about my struggle, where I came from, my kids, our friendship," she says, "so much will be on my mind."
Mullen says the prom will be held at the Ethical Society on May 11th. JEVS is bringing in a make-up artist, corsages, and are working to raise money to pay for the party.
"I had a prom, you had a prom," she says, "everyone deserves to have a prom."
Students with excellent attendance get to attend the prom for free. To sponsor an individual ($20) or couple ($40) to attend the prom, go to jevshumanservices.org.
