EAST HAVEN, Conn. — Students in an East Haven adult education program are trying to put together a special celebration for their classmates.
Eighteen-year-old Madison Streeter and 23-year-old Giovanni Arroyo are planning a prom for those who are part of the East Haven Adult Education Learning Center.
They’re part of the High School Diploma Credit program there.
“I decided to attend the program because I wanted to make my family proud and get my high school diploma, because it's something that they really want me to follow through and do, but also for myself,” Streeter said.
Streeter was only 16 when she decided to drop out of high school, which means she didn’t get a chance to attend her senior prom.
“When I left high school, that was one of the things that made me have doubts about leaving because it's an award for your hard work,” Streeter said.
Arroyo dropped out his senior year.
“Probably not the smartest decision, but traditional high school was always a little bit harder for me. I always kind of learned in a different way. I was more like, had to see it, and I just learned differently. And with the kids growing up differently, it was challenging in simple words,” Arroyo said.
It’s Arroyo’s last year in the program; he says thousands of people graduated without getting to experience prom.
Streeter would be reminded of all the fun she missed out on when she would look at photo albums of her family members enjoying their prom.
“It would always upset me that we don't have it here. And I always thought that it wasn't possible,” Streeter said.
But that’s all about to change because of the pair.
“We want to try at least instead of just accepting defeat,” Streeter said.
Streeter and Arroyo already have themes in mind.
“I am stuck on 'The Great Gatsby.' I really want that theme. I'm pushing that theme myself. Personally, she's more masquerade ball, which is not too far away from each other. So, I think we'll meet perfect in the middle,” Arroyo.
Streeter says they will ask students for their opinions as well.
They also have started checking out venues.
“We've been looking at Anthony's (ocean view), I know that they were talking about the firehouse was another option,” Arroyo said.
Streeter says she’s been looking at places in Branford.
“We just have to find one that's the most affordable that we could put into, like, our budget, and play it out and good, make sure it's all good,” Streeter said.
They want to have the prom on May 22 next year and hope it will become a tradition that continues for years to come.
“I feel like it's important, and I feel like the future generations should also have a chance to have a prom,” Streeter said.
If you would like to show support for the east haven adult education’s first prom, they are accepting donations through Gofundme.
There will also be a bake sale at the school (290 Dodge Ave, East Haven) on Monday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to raise money.
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Cayla Cade is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at ccade@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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