West Potomac Senior Organizes Prom for Ill Teens

No Worries Now holds proms nationwide for chronically ill kids and teens.

A news report about a California nonprofit holding proms for kids with life-threatening diseases and the chronically ill spurred Sara Sanders into action. Sanders, a West Potomac High School senior, was friends several years ago with a classmate who died due to birth defects. When she heard of No Worries Now through CNN Heroes, she jumped at the chance to lend a hand and this year is organizing the Washington area’s first-ever prom for the students with life-threatening diseases. Past guests have called previous proms a “night to be carefree,” she said. “It’s really touching, because these teens go through so much, but it’s their night to be really special,” said Sanders, 17. “And I think that’s important for everyone on prom night, but …

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Patch Pitch

Patch Pitch: Prom Tales

Share your favorite prom memories with Patch.

Welcome to the time of year ripe for awkward photos, broken curfews, ill-fitting tuxedoes and long, strapless gowns. It’s prom season in America, and there’s photographic evidence of it all over Facebook.  Prom marks the culmination of the high school experience and is one of the most eagerly anticipated social occasions in a teen’s life. It’s the last hurrah before graduation and a chance to cavort with friends while donning beautiful (in most cases, but I’ve seen a couple of doozies, too) attire.  It’s believed the first prom occurred in the mid-1800s and was actually called a promenade, or formal introductory parading of party guests. In the 1890s, this event was shortened to “the prom.” History suggests that prom, for the masses, was …

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Jessie Biele

7:43 am on Friday, May 11, 2012

I will, promise! I must warn you - it was a pretty ridiculous updo. :D   more ›

Look Back, Look Ahead: Fairfax County News to Know

Kits mistaken for kittens, SUV assault, Super Moon and more.

Here’s a look at some of the top Patch stories of the past week from across southern Fairfax County and a look at what’s coming up: Those Aren’t Kittens… A Fort Hunt family rescued what they thought were very young kittens from under their backyard shed. When they brought them to a local park on a nice spring day a few weeks later, a park ranger spotted them—and said they weren’t kittens. Find out what they were in the story here. Crime This past week had a lot of police-related news across southern Fairfax County: Monday, a passenger in a taxi from Prince William County overtook the driver, stole the vehicle and crashed it in Lorton. On Friday, 21-year-old Shelinda Arrington was killed in what police believe may have been an assault …

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West Potomac Students Hit the Dance Floor at Senior Prom

The Hollywood-themed annual senior prom was held at the Alexandria Mark Center on Friday night

West Potomac students danced the night away at the "Hollywood Nights" prom held in the Alexandria Mark Center on Friday. From 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. over 450 seniors, juniors and their dates celebrated the end of the year with dancing, fun and the crowning of their prom king and queen. "One of the best things I like about this community is we have great kids," administrator Alex Case said. "We always have an amazing time at events and they can really enjoy themselves." Halfway through the evening the lights came up to crown Liliana Alverez and Nelson Loza the prom king and queen. Cheered by their peers the actual couple danced their traditional dance and celebrated the win with close friends. "I can't even explain how I feel. I was half …

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At West Potomac, 'Princess For A Night' Helps Prom Fashionistas

Donated prom dresses are free for any student attending the event

Between the perfect sequined dress, the glitzy accessories, and the boutonnière, prom expenses can add up to a pretty hefty bill. But what happens when the price tag is just too much? That’s when West Potomac's 'Princess for a Night' program, coordinated by Anna Diefendorf and Amy Bowman, steps in.  The program aims give away over 500 donated dresses, shoes and accessories this prom season. "This event is so wonderful and it really gives all the girls at the high school an opportunity to come out and get a free dress," said.  "Prom can be expensive and this event helps defer some of the cost. " Dresses will be available to any junior or senior attending prom absolutely free. Diefendorf said the only requirement is to show up at the event …

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