Teen fulfills lifelong promise of taking his grandmother to prom: ‘It’s her dream’

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) — A teen in Wisconsin fulfilled his lifelong promise of taking his grandmother to prom.

Avant Williams is a junior at La Crosse Central High School. While most students take a date their own age, Williams made a promise to his grandmother when he was a toddler.

“Since I was like a little kid, my grandma’s been telling me she wanted to go to prom. It’s her dream, and then today I just feel like I should make that come true,” Williams said.

His grandmother, Svala Heller, is from Iceland, where proms are not common.

“She didn’t have a prom, so then my junior year of prom she told me I have to take her, so that’s why we’re here,” Williams said.

For Heller, her dream has been shaped by years of watching American culture from afar.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a prom. Watching American TV and all that glamour that goes with it, and you know, for 14 years he’s been saying, ‘Yeah, one day I will take you to prom.’”

Williams kept that promise.

“I was definitely excited,” he said. “I mean, I’ve only been looking up to this moment since I was like 2 years old. So, like it’s a big deal for my grandma, and it’s like I feel very special that I can take her to this prom.”

The two took photos together with a group of Williams’ friends before attending the dance.

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

Heller also had a second date to escort her to the dance: Williams’ best friend, Ruben Smith.

“No one gets to take their best friend’s grandma to prom … it’s just, I don’t know, it’s special,” Smith said.

Williams said fulfilling his lifelong promise is something he will never forget.

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

Not only was it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Heller, but she also said it was probably the most expensive date she has ever been on.