Miss America Goes to Bat for HS Student Suspended for Asking Her to Prom During Assembly

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

YORK, Pa. (AP) — Miss America is asking a Pennsylvania school district to reconsider the punishment of a senior who asked her to prom during the question-and-answer portion of an assembly.

Miss America, Nina Davuluri (Image source: Kris Connor/Getty Images)

The York Dispatch reported Sunday that Nina Davuluri posted a statement on the Miss America Organization's Facebook page saying she contacted Central York High School to ask officials to rethink the three-day in-school suspension issued to 18-year-old Patrick Farves:

"On Thursday, a student invited me to prom and gave me a flower while I was giving a presentation in York, Pennsylvania.

"I was flattered by the gesture although I am unfortunately unable to attend due to my travel schedule. I later learned of the disciplinary action taken and reached out to the school in hopes that they will reconsider their decision.

"Meeting and interacting with students across the country has been an important and rewarding part of my year as Miss America. I always encourage students to follow their dreams through education, and I'm inspired daily by the enthusiasm and aspirations of the bright young adults I have the pleasure of meeting through my travels."

School officials knew Farves intended to ask her to prom and warned him not to do it. Fellow students cheered afterward, but Farves was suspended for misbehaving, as Davuluri was there to talk about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math studies.

When Farves sensed a gap during the Q&A time with pre-screened students (clearly he wasn't among them), he saw his chance. Here's how it went down, according to the Dispatch:

"I already had a little flower," he said. "I was completely set on doing this."

Farves had picked up the "perfect" token to accompany his invitation in art class that morning: A purple plastic flower he handed to Davuluri after asking.

Farves said the cheering from the crowd of students behind him kept Davuluri from answering. When he asked to take a selfie with her, she replied with a diplomatic "Maybe later."

"I never actually got that (selfie) because I never saw her again," Farves said.

But Farves big moment was still shining — the next student to ask a question requested, "Can I get another round of applause for my friend, Patrick?" The auditorium erupted again.

Farves' 3.5-day suspension began on a half day on Friday is slated to finish next Monday through Wednesday.

"I understand that they (the administration) feel disrespected," Farves told the Dispatch. "It wasn't my intent."

Featured image: YouTube/York Daily Record