16-Year-Old Mom Surprises Classmates and Teachers with Her 1-Year-Old Prom Date

A 16-year-old mom proudly turned up to prom with the most important person in her life—not her boyfriend, not her group of friends, but her one-year-old son, Lorenzo. People cheered for the mom as she stepped out of her limo, looking her best while carrying her son in her arms.

It's not easy being a teenage mother, especially with all the taboo and prejudices that come with being one. Not a lot of people credit the work teenage mothers put into raising their children despite their circumstances, and dismiss them as irresponsible.

When Ashleigh Hazelton found out she was pregnant at 14, she made one thing clear: she was going to continue her studies and was determined to graduate alongside her peers when the time came for them to move up.

Juggling School and Motherhood

Throughout Ashleigh's pregnancy and even after giving birth, she continued studying and never let go of her responsiblities despite having to raise a son. So when her classmates were ready to hit the prom to celebrate getting her General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), she was ready to join them.

Instead of showing up to the prom with a boyfriend in tow like most of her classmates, Ashleigh had the most adorable date. She took her one-year-old son Lorenzo, who looked dapper in a blue vest, coat, and red tie to match his gorgeous mommy's red dress.

Surrounded by Supportive People

The special moment between Ashleigh and Lorenzo was made even more special thanks to the people around them. She was initially nervous, primarily because she had not told anyone about her plans to take her son with her.

However, when they arrived at the venue and stepped out of their Bentley rental, Ashleigh was overwhelmed by the amount of people who greeted them at the entrance and chanted her name. Her supportive mom, Haley Tricker, watched from the crowd as her peers cheered for her and her dashing date.

Recalling their arrival, Ashleigh said that a lot of her friends told her how precious she and Lorenzo looked. Her support meant a lot to the young mom, who said:

"I got out of the car and everyone came running up to me, chanting my name and crowding us. I felt so loved and supported, but Lorenzo and I come together now, so it felt right."

Haley couldn't help but feel emotional upon seeing her darling daughter hit the prom with her grandson. While many judged her for giving birth at 15, Ashleigh was able to continue working on her GCSE six weeks later.

The proud mom continued to say that Ashleigh had done a great job juggling her studies and motherhood. After school, she came home to care for Lorenzo with no complaints.

Ashleigh enjoyed the prom with Lorenzo and her friends. Her teachers were also surprised yet delighted to see her enjoying with her son, greeting them with big smiles on their faces.

While those around Ashleigh and Lorenzo expressed their happiness for them, people on the internet weren't as kind, writing:

"That is very sad. A child caring for a child." – Kerman Rogers (July 10, 2022)

"Let's not normalize teen pregnancy. Not trying to be judgemental or a prude but teens should be focused on school, having fun and the future." – Sharon Rickard Burton (July 10, 2022)

Despite this, others came to Ashleigh's defense by commending her for choosing to raise her son despite her age:

"Good for her. Not only did she take responsibility for her pregnancy, let her beautiful baby live and have a life, but continued her studies and graduated. Good luck girl." – Jay Joyce Kenison (July 10, 2022)

"At least she is responsible,and is taking her education seriously!! Hopefully her mom helps her out ,and they both grow up together." – Helen Vloyianitis (July 10, 2022)

Despite what everyone says about Ashleigh, she and her family choose to focus on the amount of support and kind words they are getting from others. Now that she's done with her secondary education, Ashleigh plans to take up public service in college to become a firefighter.

In another heartwarming story, a teenager decided to take her mom to her first prom after finding out she only had months to live. Click here to read all about it.