Lemmon, SD (KFYR) – Generations ago, it was not uncommon for teenagers to drop out of school after eighth grade. Many had to help on farms and fight in wars.
Missing high school meant they missed many of the many high school experiences that kids today take for granted.
Good news: In one small South Dakota town, teenagers ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the prom.
This was Tom Baumeister's first prom experience. And what a memorable prom. The 89-year-old crowned Prom King in nursing homes in five counties.
“Yes, I was,” Baumeister said.
His friend, 93-year-old Evelyn Beerman, crowned the queen.
“I think I was shocked. I don't know how else to say it,” she said.
It was a pretty big surprise for them.
“I didn't know,” admitted Beerman. “They wanted to fix my hair. That was the only hint I had that I might be cooking something, but I thought maybe they just wanted a photo.”
There was a photo, but Beerman thinks the photos of the teens are more impressive than her.
“Their gowns were amazing,” she said. “It was great to see them pass by. I enjoyed it every minute.”
The excitement of Beermann, and the excitement of all the residents, was the highlight of sophomore Alison Killser's prom.
“They kept saying how beautiful we looked. It made me blush. It was amazing,” Kiltzer said.
Beerman could not agree any more.
“It was great. I enjoyed it all,” Beerman said.
It was all taken with photos that helped Queen Evelyn and King Tom remember this prom forever.
Beerman said he attended one prom when he was in high school in 1949. However, I cannot remember whether the King and Queen of Prom were crowned.
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