No prom? No problem: NC 7-year-old holds backyard event for nanny

RALEIGH — A high school senior in Raleigh couldn't attend her high school prom because of the pandemic, but she still had a special bash.

The 7-year-old she babysits went all out, throwing Rachel Chapman a party she won't forget.

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Curtis Rodgers wanted to make sure Rachel had a mini prom in the backyard. The little boy planned the whole night out, even wearing a suit and tie to match her dress.

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Curtis, who hadn’t seen his nanny in two months because of COVID-19, wanted to throw her a special prom.

“It was very sweet of him, really thoughtful,” Rachel said. “I was kind of like, bummed putting my dress on, because I was sad; I don’t get to wear it to my senior prom. After leaving it and having that time with him -- because it was the first time I had seen him in two months -- it was like, really fun, and I’m really glad that he did that.”

They enjoyed their favorite afterschool snack -- peanut butter and apples -- as an appetizer, and they used a pool noodle to maintain a safe social distance. Google served as the DJ, playing Rachel’s favorite songs.

"I planned it out because Rachel probably just wanted to see me a lot and she also is one of the best people I've known," Curtis said.

Curtis’s mom spoke highly of Rachel.

“They’re awesome together,” Elissa Rodgers said. “They have tons of fun. She’s really become a special part of our family. We love her. She’s awesome.”

Senior students impacted by school closures, canceled proms Senior students impacted by school closures, canceled proms

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