Students surprise WWII Veteran with high school prom as he missed it to serve his country

Ray Svejnoha missed his high school prom to go fight in World War II. But now, at 100, he has finally experienced it. That’s all, thanks to some wonderful students, who are now praised for their wonderful gesture.

At 100 years old, WWII veteran Ray Svejnoha finally got the prom night he had missed more than 80 years earlier. Back in high school, Ray never made it to prom because duty called first.

Before graduation, he was ordered to report for military service during World War II, leaving behind the teenage milestone so many take for granted.

“During my younger age, I had a choice of going into the service, and I took two exams: one for the Navy and one for the Army Air Force,” Svejnoha, who lives in a senior living community in Naperville, Illinois, told Naperville Community Television.

He added he “didn’t have too much choice — I was supposed to report for duty.”

Svejnoha survived the war and returned to the U.S., where he has lived a long and happy life. But there was one thing he would never experience: the high school prom. At least that was what he thought.

Students surprise WWII Veteran with high school prom as he missed

Students at Metea Valley High School in Illinois had heard Ray’s story. Through the school’s Tech Connect club, a group that helps seniors with technology, the students secretly planned a surprise prom invitation just for him.

They arrived with patriotic balloons, American flags, and a handmade sign reading: “82 years late, but right on time.”

Ray couldn’t believe his eyes. After all these years, he would finally get to experience prom.

“It was so nice of them to even think about it,” he said after the surprise.

And the kindness didn’t stop there. Local businesses and community members came together to ensure the 100-year-old veteran had the full prom experience he never had as a teenager. Ray received a fresh haircut, a tuxedo fitting, and even rode to prom in a vintage trolley decorated with balloons.