Grandson takes grandmother to prom, fulfilling years-long promise

Avant Williams, an 11th grader at La Crosse Central High School, took his grandmother, Svala Heller, to prom this weekend, fulfilling a dream she had carried for years. (WXOW via CNN Newsource)

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) -- What started as a promise in early childhood turned into a prom night to remember for one La Crosse family.

Avant Williams, an 11th grader at La Crosse Central High School, took his grandmother, Svala Heller, to prom this weekend, fulfilling a dream she had carried for years.

“Since I was like a little kid, my grandma’s been telling me she wanted to go to prom,” Williams said.

Heller said growing up in Iceland meant she never experienced the tradition, but it remained something she hoped to do after seeing it portrayed in American culture.

“We don’t have prom in Iceland,” Heller said. “I’ve always wanted to go to a prom. You know, watching American TV and all that glamour that goes with it.”

That idea stayed with Williams for years, eventually becoming a promise he was determined to keep.

“I’ve only been looking forward to this moment since I was like two years old,” Williams said. “It’s a big deal for my grandma. And I feel like very special that I can take her to this prom.”

The pair was joined by Williams’ best friend, Ruben Smith, who is also an 11th grader at Central.

“I’m with my best friend and his grandma, just enjoying today,” Smith said. “It’s really special, cause no one gets to take their best friend’s grandma to prom, go with their best friend. It’s just, I don’t know, it’s special.”

For Heller, the night was about more than just the experience. It was about sharing it with her grandson.

“It’s so special. We have such a special bond,” Heller said. “I’m just taking every inch in and just enjoying every moment.”

Williams said being able to make that dream a reality meant everything to him.

“It means the world to me. Like, I love my grandma. She’s been there for me my whole life,” Williams said. “I’m just happy I can make her dream come true.”

After pictures at Riverside Park, the group had dinner before making their way to the dance at Central High School.

By Crystal Flintrop.