Second Chance: High school senior gets his own prom
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – FOX13 continues to follow the story of a high school senior, now graduate, who was denied prom. Roderick Johnson learned just hours before his senior year prom kicked off at Oakhaven High School, that he would not be able to attend.
He told FOX13 that he was informed by his principal that he needed to return his school laptop or pay $75 before being admitted to prom. Johnson informed that he did turn in the laptop. Johnson said the laptop was later located at the school, but by that time, the prom had already kicked off, and it was too late for him and his date to attend.
In a twist of fate, Saturday night, his prom experience was redeemed, thanks to some good Samaritans in the community.
Johnson graduated from Oakhaven High School Saturday, and community members who saw his story on FOX13 banded together to throw him his very own prom on his graduation day.
Johnson and his family told FOX13 they are very thankful for this second chance.
“I’m just excited. I’m grateful and want to thank the whole city for coming together as a community and making this happen,” Johnson told FOX13 Saturday.
Johnson’s mother also attended the special occasion.
“It was surreal. I was like, is this really happening? I’m just so appreciative. I thank you so much,” said Kenyad Boyd.
The event happened thanks to Towanna Murphy, a FOX13 viewer, who saw Johnson’s story air on our channel.
Murphy said Johnson’s shortcoming touched her heart, so she immediately figured out how to reach Johnson’s family and began planning for his event. Knowing she had to move quickly, Murphy told FOX13 it took her only 3 days to put it all together.
“This is one of the memories that he’ll cherish for the rest of his life and due to the fact that he’s leaving for the army in a week, you know, that wasn’t acceptable to me, so I felt a need to give him a second prom and just hope and pray that all the kids come out,” Murphy said.
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Chair Althea Greene showed her support for the family, attending Saturday’s special event.
“I just want parents to know that as a district, we’re not perfect, but we strive for perfection and when we do find out that something happened, we have to learn how to own it and we have to learn how to move forward and correct it,” Greene said.
FOX13 inquired with Greene about whether actions were taken toward the principal.
Greene told our team she’s sure something happened, but she’d have to follow up with Memphis-Shelby County School Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.
Meanwhile, Johnson will join the Army National Guard, with plans to attend basic training in a couple of weeks.
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