When World War II Veteran Ray Svejnoha said “Yes!” to America, he never gave a thought about what it might mean to miss his prom, a rite of passage for most seniors, and the impact it could have on him - and six high school girls in the future.

Well, Ray went to prom- 82 years later in 2026, at 100 years young- and it was a great experience for him and for all involved. Eighty-two years later, at almost 101 years old, Ray got his chance thanks to six high school girls.“I had a choice of going into the service. I took two exams, one for the Navy and one for the Army Air Force, and I passed both of them, and I didn’t expect them to be until after I graduated, but then the Army came before that, so I didn’t have too much choice. I was supposed to report for duty, so that is what I did. I never made my prom, so it was sort of secondary in a way, but that’s the way it was at that time,” Svejnoha said.

Ray shared his story with Carey Peterson, the advisor of a Metea Valley High School club called Tech Connect, which helps seniors with technology issues. “We can help him out with that,’” Peterson said. She enlisted her students for help: sophomores Ela Kshirsagar, Prakriti Kashyap, Aasvi Chokshi, Niia Lopez, Medha Kotagiri, and freshman Zoe Zhao. They were excited about it.

They made a "promposal" poster and asked him at their next visit. So many stepped up to donate their services to help Ray prepare for this special day. To prepare for prom, Ray got a haircut, manicure, and tux fitting…all courtesy of sponsors who’d heard about his special day. A very special thank you for donated services goes out to Hammer & Nails Naperville, Lorenzo’s Formalwear, Naperville Florist, and a special shout out to Aries Charter Transportation, Inc. for donating the trolley ride that swept Ray and his dates away to Prom in style!  And, Emily Cummings Photography captured beautiful photos of this special day.

When that Friday night arrived, Svejnoha got to experience all the prom musts. He rode in the trolley to the dance and made sure that his dates got their flower bouquets for their efforts. Naperville Florist donated the lovely bouquets. Ray was delighted at the generous gesture, as he said, “I thank them, because I would have bought them myself,” Svejnoha said.

Arriving at the dance, Svejnoha was greeted with cheers. He was announced and honored by Metea students, got a warm welcome, and they danced like it was 1944!  “It’s so beautiful to see the connection between generations, and I love that Ray is rightfully getting his prom. Words can’t describe it, honestly,” Peterson said.

“I never really thought that the prom was that important in my lifetime. But when they approached me about it, and the way they said it, why they were more excited than I was, it was so nice of them to even think about it,” Svejnoha said.

When I asked Ray whether it was what he expected…He said, “No - it was better! So much fun!” The art of community came together to make this experience wonderful.  Some donors that must be mentioned for their generosity to make this experience happen include: ComForCare Home Care, Residential Home Health & Hospice, Assisting Hands Home Care, The Rotary Club of Naperville, A Clean Start (Senior Pack & Move Company).

Sara, from A Clean Start noted, “A Clean Start moved Ray to Independence Village completely free of charge as a thank you for his service in World War II. We even had the entire move documented and posted on our Facebook page. Since then, our team has become very close with Ray and have attended Veteran events and lunches at Mission BBQ with him as well as taken him for rides in the Freedom Slingshot. When Ray was asked to go to prom, we knew we wanted to be a part of it because Ray has become such a good friend and special person to us, and we loved that others in the community felt the same way and were also celebrating him.”

 

Nathan Lara, Regional Director of Sales for Independence Village, and Board Member of the Rotary Club of Naperville, with heartfelt comments, noted: “There are moments that remind us why community matters so deeply. Not because of buildings, organizations, or meetings, but because of people willing to link hands with one another and create something larger than themselves.

"Over the past several weeks, our community came together to make something extraordinary happen for Ray Svejnoha, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and beloved resident at Independence Village. As many of you know, Independence Village is family-owned, and I have the privilege of serving as Regional Director of Sales. Watching this unfold not only professionally, but personally, has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. After missing his senior prom more than 80 years ago due to military service, Ray finally had the opportunity to attend his very first prom. Thanks to students, volunteers, local businesses, educators, community leaders, and countless kind hearts, what began as one simple idea became something far bigger; a movement of compassion, dignity, gratitude, and joy.

"THIS is community. One story. One person. One act of care. Then suddenly, an entire world watching something beautiful happen because people chose to show up for one another. What means the most to me is seeing seniors like Ray finally receive the spotlight they so deeply deserve. Our older generations carry extraordinary stories, sacrifices, wisdom, humor, and humanity that too often go unnoticed in a world constantly chasing what is next. Ray may have been the face of this story, but in many ways, he represented all seniors. They deserve to be celebrated while they are here to feel it. They deserve to be seen, heard, honored, and loved loudly.”

Thank you, Nathan.

Let us all take away from Nathan’s profound comments, and honor those older generations for all that they have given to us. The art of gratitude is a beautiful thing.