Lassiter Prom 2013: A Night to Remember

Submitted by Lassiter High School assistant principal Ashlynn Campbell:

Donnie Gooding and Jessica Wilson, two Lassiter High School students with cerebral palsy, recently attended the senior prom. AMS vans graciously donated a wheelchair van for two so that Jessica and Donnie could ride together to the dance.

Aspens Restaurant also donated a complimentary dinner for the two students. The “Random Act of Kindness” continued throughout the evening as fellow Lassiter High School students welcomed the couple with an inspiring round of applause.  

The kindheartedness also carried over to the crowing of the prom king and queen. Without even knowing they had been selected prom king and queen, Emma Kate Protis and James Rowe invited the special couple to be part of the prom court. Lassiter High School’s Prom Queen, Emma Kate Protis, was escorted by Donnie Gooding. Prom King, James Rowe, was escorted by Jessica Wilson.

Both Emma Kate and James are well-known in the Lassiter High School community for their own random acts of kindness. For example, Emma Kate is deeply involved in missionary work which she plans to continue after high school, and she recently spearheaded the nationwide “Stand for Freedom” event a couple of weeks ago at Lassiter High School.

This was a national movement among colleges and high schools to protest all forms of slavery. Emma Kate also oversees the “Below My Feet” campaign where she has already collected over 1000 pairs of shoes to take to Costa Rica for underprivileged children. Emma Kate is a member of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, English Honor Society, and Fellow Christian Athletes. Emma Kate was recently voted by her peers as “Best to Take Home to Mom and Dad."

James Rowe is also known throughout the Lassiter High School community because he is an exceptional role model and full of positive energy. James is a true leader at Lassiter High School where he is a frontrunner for Valedictorian, a member of the National Honor Society, Renaissance, Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Math Team, and Academic Team. James is also part of the football team and Track and Field. James was recently voted by his peers as “Most Likely to be a Millionaire.”

A big thanks to all of the Lassiter High School students for helping keep the Trojan Spirit alive on this very special evening, especially Donnie Gooding, Emma Kate Protis, James Rowe, and Jessica Wilson. Special thanks as well to Ms. Jasmine Nye and Ms. Sharlet Keilman for planning the Lassiter prom and Special Education teachers Ms. Jane Martin and Ms. Sue Thomas.