Fordson High seniors come together for prom after journey that began during pandemic

For seniors at Fordson High School, prom was more than a chance to step out in stylish colorful suits and dresses. It was a chance to come together.

These students started high school in the fall of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They helped each other deal with life, inside and outside school. And now, they're ready to celebrate.

“We didn't have a freshman year, which messed up our relationships we could have built with upperclassman,” said senior class president Lena Dabaja.

During the pandemic, these students learned how quickly life can take a turn. So Dabaja and her classmates put on over 20 fundraisers to help make this year’s prom a Hollywood experience for all.

“We all stood by each other and helped one another,” she said. “We're really like family. I don't think there's ever been a Fordson class that loves and supports each other the way we do.”

Some seniors' parents are recent immigrants, and prom wasn't part of their tradition, or something they'd even necessarily heard of.

Like senior Hilal Baalbaki, the first from his family to attend a prom, and excited to have the opportunity.

But after he was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2024, Baalbaki knew his chances of attending any event his senior year were low.

“I thank God for everything he’s blessed me with, and all he’s given me to be here and to celebrate with my friends,” he said.

Baalbaki says he missed a large portion of his high school experience, not only battling cancer, but also working toward his future while taking college courses through Henry Ford College.

He had to learn to walk again after being immobilized in the hospital for a month, but now, after going through treatments for cancer, he has 80% fewer tumors in his body — although his doctors told him to social distance due to his weakened immune system. “I was very happy at the fact that I was able to experience at least part of it,” he said about the culmination of his high school years. “It’s important to enjoy your last years of school, because it’s a big achievement.”

“It’s a sad moment. I cry,” said Manal Hammoud, a parent/community liaison and senior class adviser for the school. “It’s our last moment together.”

Hammoud started working at Fordson during the graduating class' freshman year, witnessing their four-year journey. On prom night, her face lit up, watching the students from the stage.

“I watch them in awe. It's good to see them take that moment, that they can have and cherish forever,” she said.

As the night carried on, students showed their appreciation for Hammoud and other faculty members, inviting them to take part in the high-energy celebration, dancing to a mixture of hit songs and traditional music. “At night, when I have to shut it down, that's the worst part," said Hammoud.

Soon, these students' lives will change as they head off in different directions, but on prom night, they enjoyed every last minute together as a group. “I've always dreamt of prom. It's the end of a chapter, and now we're opening up a new chapter, and it's something I'm so excited for,” senior Nour Choucair said. “We're all going to move on to bigger and better things, so we'll see what happens.”