DAVIE, Fla. — With spring break winding down and prom season approaching, seniors at Nova High School received a surprise gift this week — one they didn’t see coming.
During a school assembly, students learned that every member of the senior class will be able to attend prom for free.
“Just crazy,” said senior Jaden Turner. “We didn’t even know about this assembly until like a couple days ago. It’s kinda unreal.”
For many students, the announcement lifted a financial burden.
“It’s a financial burden that just got off our shoulders and I think it’s amazing all the kids will be able to have the opportunity to come to prom,” said Amaya Henry, the senior class vice president.
The effort was made possible by Pam and Jay Kirtman, who helped fund the event through their nonprofit Becca’s Closet. Pam Kirtman worked at Nova High for more than 20 years as a college adviser.
“I am so happy to come home and see you guys,” she told students during the assembly.
The organization is named in honor of their daughter, Rebecca, who attended Nova High School but died in a car crash before her junior year.
“When Rebecca was a freshman, she noticed something didn’t feel right. Some students wanted to go to prom, the military ball and homecoming, but they couldn’t afford it,” Pam Kirtman said. “So she did something about it. She started collecting dresses, right here at Nova High School, so girls could go to prom and their school dances feeling confident, included, and beautiful, just like you all deserve to feel.”
Her initiative grew into Becca’s Closet, which now has nearly 50 chapters across 23 states.
This week, in partnership with Macy’s, the Kirtmans presented a $65,000 check to Nova High School to cover the full cost of prom for the Class of 2026.
Prom tickets can cost $225 or more, making the donation especially meaningful for families.
“The fact that we have this opportunity for it to be paid for, it just gives kids a chance to experience something as big as prom. Don’t want to miss it. May 16th,” Turner said.
The prom is scheduled for May 16.
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