Acts of Kindness
Football player asks girl with special needs to prom and the sweet pair have heads turning
When Tahj found out about his school's unique prom, he knew exactly which girl he wanted to take.
Megan Bennett
07.07.23

For most teenage girls, prom is one of the most important nights of the 4 years they spend in high school.

It is a magical evening full of fancy dresses, lots of dancing with friends, and maybe a romantic moment or two with their date.

Unsplash - Toria
Source:
Unsplash - Toria

However, not everyone goes to their prom; some don’t want to, while others feel they can’t.

This was the case for one Illinois high school senior who has cerebral palsy.

Evelyn Araujo didn’t think she would be able to participate in her prom because of her disability.

Twitter - Evelyn araujo
Source:
Twitter - Evelyn araujo

Though there are different types of cerebral palsy, they all affect the normal movement of different body parts.

For Evelyn, this meant that she didn’t have control over many of her body parts, and she was, therefore, unable to walk, so she used a motorized wheelchair to get around.

That didn’t mean that she didn’t want to go to prom though, she just felt like she wouldn’t be able to and that no one would ask her.

Twitter - Evelyn araujo
Source:
Twitter - Evelyn araujo

That was until her friend, and a football player on their school’s team, walked into her classroom and “Promposed” to her.

Tahj Oliver recruited one of his friends to help him and together they went into Evelyn’s classroom with 2 big pieces of bright pink poster board.

“Can I have a pass to Prom?” the sign read.

Twitter - Selene98
Source:
Twitter - Selene98

Evelyn was overjoyed and gladly accepted the invite with a huge smile on her face.

The pair had been friends for years, and Tahj had family members with different disabilities and knew that all they wanted was to be accepted and to get to do what their friends did.

As soon as he found out that their school would be holding a prom for students with special needs, he knew he wanted to invite Evelyn.

Twitter - Selene98
Source:
Twitter - Selene98

When the night of the big dance finally arrived, Evelyn was as excited as excited could be.

She had picked out a beautiful soft green dress and had her hair and makeup done for the event.

When Tahj walked in in a crisp black suit to see his date, he was amazed at just how beautiful she looked and smiled as wide as she did as he slide the boutonnière onto her wrist.

Youtube - Inside Edition
Source:
Youtube - Inside Edition

When they got to the venue, Tahj and Evelyn made their way down a cardboard red carpet to the applause of their fellow classmates.

The pair had a wonderful time together, dancing and laughing with their friends, and making lifelong memories.

And when Evelyn’s favorite song came on, ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran, Tahj lifted her from her chair and held her up so they could share a special slow dance together.

Youtube - Inside Edition
Source:
Youtube - Inside Edition

The night of partying was surely a great time for all involved, they even had a place where they could sing karaoke.

Both Evelyn and Tahj will remember that night for the rest of their lives as one of happiness and joy.

And hopefully, they will remain friends when they go off to college as their bond seems like one that is meaningful and important to both.

Youtube - Inside Edition
Source:
Youtube - Inside Edition

Get a closer look at the friends’ unforgettable prom night in the sweet video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: YouTube – Inside Edition, Twitter – Selene98, Cerebral Palsy Guide

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