Pocono News Section

Prom Promises Shattered

Prom Promises Shattered - Friday, May 16, 2008 at 10:09PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Friday, May 16, 2008 @ 10:09pm EST

MILFORD, PIKE COUNTY- Tara Murphy, her date and a few dozen other Delaware Valley High School students were apparently warned, show up at the senior prom and you're out of graduation exercises. "No, I don't want to ruin my graduation since they already ruined my prom," Murphy said Friday evening in her parents' living room, only minutes before the big dance was scheduled to begin.

Murphy was informed by school administrators she missed too much school to participate in the springtime event that traditionally caps a high school student's career.

But unlike other cases, according to Murphy, a member of the school's special education program, she was told only a week ago. "It's horrible after I went out and spent all this money for it and I'm not even allowed to go to it, I can't even show my face there," Murphy said.

The high school senior was donned from head to toe in a flowing bronze-blue gown, crowned with tiara. Her date was also black-listed from the prom. Senior Keith Sevek wore a black pin-stripe tuxedo with a turquoise vest and tie.

Murphy's mom, Catherine, said by the time they were informed by school officials, it was too late. "After she was already resigned to the fact, yes we made it, we're going to prom, that's when I was told a week ago. It's been horrible. I told them what was I supposed to do? I spent a thousand dollars on a dress, shoes and headpiece," Catherine Murphy said.

And instead of ignoring the milestone night, they dressed up. An aunt snapped picture after picture of the high school sweethearts. There were flowers.

But what about those absences?

It's not unusual at all for a school district to implement a policy that uses such events as leverage against absences according to other school district sources. But Catherine Murphy says all of her daughter's absences were supposed to be excused, accompanied by a note from home. On top of it all, mom says Tara is a great student. "She's never in 12 years gotten in trouble in school, written up, never done anything wrong, she's passing, she's graduating this year."

The topping on the cake, Tara says her in-school case worker gave her the green light to to the prom a long time ago. "I would to be able to go up there and see my friends, see everybody dressed up and show them what I got," Tara said.

And after a lot of money spent, a few dozen high school students' idea of a senior prom is reduced to a squabble over spilled milk, allegations that a school district reprimanded students for things in the past as a milestone comes and is now gone.

We spoke to a secretary in the superintendent's office who said she could not answer any questions. Phone messages to the principal and superintendent were not returned.