NAB recreates high school experience for NSU student

(Tahlequah, Okla.)On Thursday, Oct. 2, Northeastern Activities Board took students on a trip down memory lane by hosting NSUs first Prom, a formal event open to all students.

Although NAB had every intention of creating an event for students to be able to socialize and dance, the event had a deeper purpose, one of compassion and kindness that was secretly planned and finally revealed on the big night.

21-year-old Adam Wallace, a junior at NSU, was born without the fourth chamber of his heart. He underwent multiple corrective surgeries as a child, but due to new complications last year, he found himself on the heart transplant list. Being a regular at the hospital also meant missing out on major moments growing up, including his high school prom.

LaTasha Atcity, a fellow NSU student and Wallaces friend, thought just because high school was over didn't mean he couldn't have the opportunity to experience one of the events that ranks as most memorable for so many people. Wallace had expressed on numerous occasions that he regretted not being able to attend prom. Atcity, with the help of NAB, devised a plan that would get Wallace to prom.

Plans came together, flyers were made, announcements released, a theme and decorations were devised, and bit-by-bit the event started taking shape.

Planning the event was a large undertaking, Atcity said. I spoke with NAB and they loved the idea. They started planning the event in mid-August, and they did an amazing job putting every detail together.

As the night of Oct. 2 rolled around, decorations were up and Wallace was excited to finally be able to attend prom, instead of hearing about it the next week at school or seeing all the pictures on Facebook. Everyones hard work had paid off. NAB relied on word of mouth and sororities and fraternities to get the details of the event out to students, and the turnout was excellent.

The DJ had the beats bumping; Wallace was having a blast with all of his friendsthe night could not have been any more perfect. And then, the music went quiet, and the long kept secret was finally unveiled, Wallace was crowned as NSUs Honorary Prom King.

Overall, to get attendance up, NAB advertised this event as a high school style prom without telling the true details, Sarah Johnson, Coordinator of Campus Activities at NSU said. My personal hope was that Adam would have the prom he always wanted, students would enjoy the event and take away something special for contributing to such a great cause. At the end of the night, the committee arranged for a slideshow and presentation regarding the true reason for prom, Adams story.

While Atcity felt at numerous occasions that the cat had gotten out of the bag, Wallace expressed total surprise at the honor.

The surprise was the biggest part of the night. I really had no clue it was planned for me. I'm not sure how everyone was able to keep it a secret for so long, but it paid off, Wallace said. I think the best part about it is that it's a reminder of what a great community I live in. I'm always impressed by the way The NSU and Tahlequah community continues to show support for one another.

The event was able to not only honor Wallace and provide him the opportunity to experience something hed only ever dreamed about, but also to raise awareness of the importance of becoming a donor. Wallace was able to explain his condition to students, and they were able to write letters of encouragement to be read by Wallace when he finally receives his new heart and is in recovery.

Adam is an inspiring individual and is constantly putting others before himself. No matter what challenge he is facing, he is always upbeat and positive, Atcity said. We did this because we wanted him to see how much of a difference he makes in our lives. All in all, we just wanted to make the same impact on Adams life that he makes in ours.