Panthers will host prom for South Carolina high school devastated by tornado
North Central High School will have a prom to remember thanks to the Carolina Panthers.
Friday, almost a month after the school was destroyed by a tornado, the Panthers surprised students with an announcement that their Great Gatsby-themed dance will be hosted at the team’s indoor practice facility.
“Oh my gosh,” junior Stephanie Martinez said after the surprise announcement. “I’m excited. It’s crazy that we get this opportunity and I’m really thankful this happened.”
The Panthers will charter students from Camden, S.C., located about 1.5 hours south of Charlotte, to the team’s Atrium Health Dome practice bubble for the March 30th event. The team will also donate weight room equipment to the school, as well as practice uniforms worn by former players such as Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly and Mike Tolbert. The team also gifted the school a $5,000 funding grant to refurbish the football stadium’s scoreboard.
“Students were torn out of their school the second half of their senior year,” said the school’s prom committee advisor Renee Mitchell. “They were upset about not graduating at their high school and I think this has given them a boost.”
Panthers representatives and mascot Sir Purr dropped by North Central on Friday afternoon to make the announcement in front of more than 200 buzzing juniors and seniors. Teachers and students participated in on-stage activities, which included a push-up contest, dance battle and a group cheer of the team’s “Keep Pounding” mantra.
“We know it’s been a challenging year for them and we’re really looking forward to providing the students with an unforgettable prom experience,” said Panthers’ Director of Community Relations Riley Fields, who led the pep rally. “Hopefully we’ll provide a warm and really positive memory from this past school year.”
North Central was the only school directly hit by a tornado that swept through Kershaw County on Jan. 11. None of the school’s 500 students were present when the 130 mph winds ripped apart the building, but damage was so severe the school has had to close indefinitely. Until the school reopens, classes are being held at a nearby vocational center owned by the school district.
“Not one person has complained about what our school has gone through,” said North Central principal David Branham. “It’s been a team effort, so it’s exciting that they get something special, especially for the juniors and seniors.”
While students didn’t complain about the damage, they still felt its impact. Senior Matthew Clem said he cried when he heard the news about his school.
“I didn’t know where we gonna have school or where we were gonna go,” said Clem.
In the midst of uncertainty, the North Central “family” can count on one glamorous night.
“I know we’re all excited,” said Clem. “We all went crazy when we found out. I’m excited for us.”
This story was originally published February 7, 2020 at 12:43 PM.
