Lance Stephenson Sr. (from left), Rai’ona Griffin, Duchess Adjei (Lance Stephenson’s relations specialist), Bernadette Stephenson and Shelby Frye pose after they found out they were winners of the Ultimate Prom Experience. Stefanie Maier is not pictured.
Southport High School News Bureau
Southport seniors Shelby Frye, Stefanie Maier and junior Rai’ona Griffin have been named the winners in the Lance Stephenson Ultimate Prom Experience. These girls and their dates will have most of their prom expenses picked by Lance Stevenson from the Indiana Pacers.
The contest was designed to help students who have experienced personal hardship and financial difficulty. The winners were chosen based on the essays they wrote, said his parents, Bernadette and Lance Stephensen Sr., who found the winners’ stories to be most compelling.
The couple visited the school April 15 to announce the winners. They deserve a great prom night, he said. “Seeing you guys finishing your goals and graduating, I felt that should be rewarded.”
Frye’s boyfriend surprised her by writing an essay that he hoped would be a winner. Now he’s taking her to the prom in a limo.
After the success of last year’s inaugural program, which offered the experience to only one couple, the younger Stephenson wanted to expand it.
“We know that prom and graduation are a major turning points in a young person’s life, and knowing that college or the next step is next, we just wanted to help kick that off and be a part of that,” his dad said.
On the day of prom, the girls will have their hair, makeup and nails done. Before the dance, they and their dates will ride in a limo to Prime 47, a five-star restaurant in Downtown.
Due to the playoffs, Stephenson may not make an appearance at the prom, but the winners will meet him at some point.