“Promposals,” elaborately staged requests to be someone’s date to a prom, are sweeping the nation and local high schools. But when Daviess County High School senior Joey Cambron “proposed prom” to longtime friend Annie Vincent just before school let out for spring break, video of the event went viral with nearly 20,000 views.
According to her mom, Annie was diagnosed at a young age with DiGeorge Syndrome and a below-average IQ level. Although Annie is considered high-functioning, she continues to show child-like behaviors which have required her to be placed in special needs classes.
“Annie is a child I was told would never read, write or talk. I told them we never put labels on people,” said Annie’s mom, Laura Vincent. “The look on her face was pure adoration. She is so full of joy about it. For her, going to prom with Joey, it really is her dream coming true.”
Joey and Annie have known each other nearly all of their lives. Both moving from Union County to Daviess County within a year of each other during their teenage years their moms would remain friends and the two would cross paths often. Because she had a “crush” on Joey, Annie would attend most all of Joey’s home football games proudly cheering him on.
“I see her throughout the school days and she gives me a hug every time I see her,” Cambron said. “I wanted to take Annie to prom because it could be a night she won’t forget. I wanted to make it all about her.”
On Friday, Annie’s teacher brought her down to the front office where Joey surprised her with a prom proposal themed with Annie’s favorite movie, Beauty and the Beast.
“She jumped up and said, yes, and was very excited. It was unbelievable and such a cool experience to have with her,” Cambron said. “Her teacher said after that she was so happy the whole day.”
[brid video=”399882″ player=”13623″ title=”Prom Joey and Annie”]
For Cambron, it was important to make this moment memorable for Annie, but it also made a statement to others to be reminded to think of others before themselves.
“By him coming and asking her to prom, it really is making her dream come true. As a mom it is truly heartwarming,” Laura said. “Those with special needs are just like everyone else. They just want love and acceptance. I’m so happy that Joey is one that understands that and is willing to do so. Joey is a big Christian guy and it shows in his heart.”
The two will attend DCHS Prom at the Hines Center on April 27.
Laura said Annie feels like she is living a real-life fairytale.
“All afternoon she said, ‘If you believe in yourself, your dreams will come true — Momma, my crush is making my dreams come true,’” Laura said of Annie. “The same day that Annie got her prom proposal she was also voted for a senior superlative, ‘Most Likely to Make Your Day.’ In my eyes, it shows the community we live in — it’s pretty special.”
Annie already has her yellow dress to match her favorite character Belle for this fairytale prom and is ready to be swept off her feet by longtime friend and “prince” Joey Cambron.
