Texas family hosts 'prom on the porch' when big dance is canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

TEXAS -- Once a prom queen, always a prom queen.

One thoughtful family in Texas wanted to ensure that their high-schooler would still get a chance to enjoy prom this year, even though the annual dance had been canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic. So, in lieu of the big event, her folks threw a “prom on the porch” bash -- and the senior student was even crowned queen of the night, according to FOX News.

Grayson Chapman, pictured, at her "prom on the porch" party. (Jaci Chapman)

Like many other school events, Highland High School called off the highly anticipated big dance, which had been scheduled for March 28, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Determined to make the night special for senior student Grayson, the Chapman family from Sweetwater hosted a “prom on the porch” party that evening.

“Grayson thought it sounded a little cheesy at first. But she was so excited to get to be able to dress up after all and go to her last ‘prom,’” Jaci Chapman, Grayson’s mom, told Fox News on Thursday. “Once we started getting the porch decorated and cranked up the music, she really started getting into the spirit of it!”

The family spruced up the outdoor space with household décor, stars and festive lights. (Jaci Chapman)

Sprucing up the space with household décor, stars and festive lighting, the Chapmans prepared the porch for their very own outdoor promenade. With respect for social distancing, just seven family members attended the “very last minute” soiree: Grayson, her parents, her two siblings, an uncle and a cousin.

On Saturday night, Grayson’s older sister Maura, who is home from college, and her younger brother Crae, a sophomore at Highland High, also dressed up in their best formal attire for the porch party. Little cousin Gene Conway also looked quite dapper and was honored as "prom king."

Grayson, left, is pictured with siblings Crae and Maura Chapman. (Jaci Chapman)

“It wasn't the prom with her friends she thought she'd have, but she had so much fun!!! We all did!” proud mom Jaci recalled. “The kids dressed up, we cranked up a speaker, and spent two or three hours on our porch.”

“Not surprisingly, my senior won prom queen!" she added. “So this spring may not be going according to plan, but we try to adapt and celebrate our seniors the best we can.”

Prom queen Grayson and prom king Gene, pictured. (Jaci Chapman)

In a word of advice for other parents whose teens might be feeling frustrated or upset if the coronavirus has canceled their anticipated events, the Texas mom said she would “absolutely recommend” having a “prom on the porch” celebration.

“Grayson has had so many events canceled, and she's taken in all in stride. We wanted to do something special for her,” Jaci explained. “It wasn't at all the prom she had envisioned going to, but we've tried to teach our children life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.”