Upcoming Events

Open Modal

Kuemper Senior Misses Her Own Prom To Make Young Man Smile

A chance encounter in an Orlando, Fla. airport and a random act of kindness from Carroll resident and Kuemper Catholic High School Senior, 19-year-old Brittany Klocke, has turned into a world-wide social media phenomenon. Last February, when her flight to Minneapolis was cancelled, Brittany and her friend, Journee Kajewski-Nyborg, found themselves stranded for nearly 15 hours. Brittany saw 14-year-old Andrew Shumway in the terminal, and his contagious smile drew her in for a conversation. She felt an immediate bond with Andrew, who has cerebral palsy, because of a sibling that suffers with a disability.

The time spent talking at the airport led to an invitation from Andrew, who asked Brittany to join him for a community-wide, special-needs prom being held in his hometown. Brittany said she didn’t hesitate for a minute, even though her senior prom in Carroll was scheduled for the same night, Saturday, April 16. Brittany made the nearly five hour trip to Tomah, Wisc. last Saturday to accompany Andrew as his date.

Brittany said there were a lot of tears from both of them that night. Happy tears from being overwhelmed by the kindness and joy that had come from that chance meeting. She says Andrew is very excited about what has happened and is enjoying his moment to shine. He is even hoping this may lead to a meeting with Ellen DeGeneres. Brittany, on the other hand, says she doesn’t want the attention; this is all about Andrew and hoping others learn how easy it can be to bring joy to others.

Brittany, who will graduate from Kuemper Catholic High School in May, says as she continues to pursue her dreams of becoming an RN, she will also be looking forward to a summer visit with Andrew, possibly a trip to Disney World and enjoying her new life-long friend.

Klocke Shumway pic 1 shumway

Recommended Posts

Loading...