Final-year pupils at a north-east secondary school will go to the ball after all, thanks to the generosity of their peers at another academy.
The Banff Academy prom was thrown into jeopardy when “unexpected circumstances” left the committee short of cash.
Alarmed at the prospect of being forced to cancel a celebration, which marks the end of a teenager’s school years, the organisers worked to raise sufficient cash to salvage the event.
And, when their peers on Ellon Academy’s pupil prom committee heard about their plight, they generously donated all their remaining funding to ensure that Banff’s youngsters could enjoy their special occasion.
Sixth-year pupil Emma Yeats, vice-chairwoman of the Ellon Academy prom committee, said: “We had quite a bit of money left once we had paid for everything.
“We thought we might as well donate it to them – they need it more than us. It would be a shame if they couldn’t have their prom.”
Emma added: “Hopefully it can go ahead.”
Ellon Academy rector Tim McKay sits on the organising committee with his pupils. When the school chief learned of their generosity, he agreed to match their £150 donation to present Banff Academy with a cheque for £300.
Mr McKay said: “As a group, they decided they would donate the remaining £150 to Banff Academy which I said I would match.
“They made the decision and it exemplifies the excellence of our young people at Ellon Academy. They look not just at their own lives, but at helping others.”
The head teacher, who praised the committee for their work in planning and raising money for the Ellon Academy celebrations, added: “It doesn’t surprise me.”
The Ellon Academy prom will be held on Tuesday at Thainstone House Hotel.
And Banff pupils can now keep their date for the prom, which will go ahead as planned on June 23.
Last night, Banff Academy rector, Andrew Ritchie, added: “We’re really delighted and grateful for the support of Ellon Academy. It’s a lovely, kind and very generous donation.
“For the whole of Aberdeenshire’s education team, it’s great that this is the sort of thing the kids would think to do.”
