DU QUOIN (WSIL) -- In this edition of Unsung Hero, one Du Quoin mom's push for a high school senior prom gave students a night to remember.
Nicole Bauman said the school district could not hold a prom for seniors this year and last year due to the Pandemic, but Nicole was determined to see it through this year and not lose another year to COVID, especially since her son was a Senior.
After staying glued to nationwide reports on the progress of the virus and vaccine, she began planning and called on other parents in the district for help. Her cousin, Brandee Horn, also has a senior at Du Quoin High School. She began helping her with the planning. In January, they secured The W Restaurant, and Laurie Carver brought the theme, A Walk Down Memory Lane, to life with decorations. Many other parents participated.
Brandee said, without Nicole, it would have never happened, and she hopes the students remember the night forever.
"I but I also hope that they realize that there were people on their side willing to fight for them and that when things come against them and they believe in it as well, whole-heartedly like we did, to fight," said Horn.
Prom was Saturday, May 22, and about 97 students attended.
"You only live once, and if you've had that experience in life, where that may be close to being taken away, you realize that you've got to make memories. That's all I wanted for these kids," said Nicole.
Nicole and Brandee said the community and many other parents showed their support by offering donations of gift cards, TVs, laptops, and more.
