Basketball Recruit Asks Friend With Autism to Prom

In Louisville, Kentucky a high schooler named Trey Moses asked  Ellie Meredith, a girl who is dealing with autism, if she would go to prom with him. Rather than bringing his girlfriend, he decided to ask Ellie by bringing flowers inside their school’s gym and holding a sign that said “Let’s party like it’s 1989,” which is a Taylor Swift reference, one off Ellie’s favorite artists. When he was being interviewed, he explained that she knew him so well and despite what people may think, they are totally alike. Although Ellie was taken by surprise when Trey suggested that they go to prom together, she said that she knew that it would be something in Trey’s nature to do.

To me, this is really cute and shows a positive part of society. Everyone mainly focuses on race, gender, and religion when it comes to unfair equality but this can make humans finally realize that mental disabilities are another aspect. My hope is for viewers of this promposal to learn a lesson and start to act the same around everyone. Personally, this should already be happening but in reality it is not. Maybe one day, Trey’s actions can be viewed as something that isn’t a big deal because autism isn’t considered a “flaw.” Nonetheless, this story truly brings a sense of comfort because it shows that people aren’t always so self conscious on how others might view them. In conclusion, I say, be friends with whoever you want!

~Lara

Prom Costs are Through the Roof in 2015!

Becoming prom king and queen is not about having the most expensive suit or dress in the room but, more about the person inside them. However, based on recent surveys the costs are rising and it’s all about the money!


Hey Dodd Middle School! For you, being a Junior or a Senior is in the far off years to come, but have you ever thought about how much this one night costs schools, students and parents?

Let’s talk about the girls. This year a survey done by Visa found that an average prom dress alone would cost the family $324. This high price tag has gone up significantly since 2011, where they would spend near $100. Lets not forget hair and make-up! You may decide to go to a salon to get your hair, makeup, and nails done, or you might opt to do it yourself. Depending on the choices that you make the price could be anywhere from $30 to $275. It is typically the boys job to buy the flowers, but in reality most guys wear boutonniere’s which usually costs $10 to $20. However, it depends on the type of flowers that you chose to purchase.

Besides looking good there are many other aspects that make prom very expensive. One being the ticket. The going rate these days depending on the location, tends to be $20 to $250. If the prom is being held in a fancy hotel, ballroom etc. it may be more costly than if it is being held in your school gymnasium. Ticket prices usually include entry into the dance, dinner, and beverages, so make sure to find out beforehand so you don’t plan to do a big dinner first! Most proms however do not provide a full dinner before hand, so most students decide to eat out. Depending on the type of restaurant and where it is the meal could cost anywhere from $25 to $130 per person.

Next is getting there! Parents like to know that their child is safe to and home from the prom. So limousines are often rented, but this costs students a pretty penny as they are quite extravagant and expensive. The average cost for renting a limousine is 200 to 500 dollars. If this price exceeds your budget, don’t worry! A good solution is to split the cost with a group, and its more fun that way too!

Like the renting of a limo taking pictures is the part that parents enjoy most so they often hire a professional. When friends split the cost of a limo to the prom, they tend to go to one person’s home to take pictures, so the cost can again be split. Even though us Dodd kids aren’t going to prom for another 730 days (roughly) you can relate to how your parents get when you have a special event or a memorable moment. It’s sooooo important to them to have pictures to reminisce with. Prices for professional photos can range anywhere from $30 to $125. You may choose not to get formal photos and use your own camera, and  that’s cool too. Lastly, at some point during the evening most prom committees will hire a photographer to come take photographs of couples and or groups. You will probably receive a price list beforehand. They may be prepaid, or you may need to pay at the event, so don’t forget your money!

Overall prom is an expensive night out, but in my opinion it is worth all the fun you have dancing and laughing with your friends. It is also a great reason to get dressed up like the movie stars and to enjoy yourself!

~Megan

Plunging Prom

What’s beautiful, handsome, and wet all over? A group of Wisconsin kids. Your confused? Well so were they after they were plunged into a lake while taking prom pictures just before they were leaving. One couple held on as the others fell right into the water! Strange yes, but luckily no one was harmed in this odd event. They were all standing on an old boating dock held together with some wood and nails. The dock must not have been able to absorb the weight of the teens and collapsed under their feet. Once they all emerged from the water, the soaked teens ran inside and used several of the blow dryers. They used so many blow dryers they blew a breaker! Fortunately, all the teens made it just in time to catch their prom, dry.

~ Mikaela O’Brien