A 16-year-old mother proudly appeared at the school prom with the most important person in her life – her one-year-old son, Lorenzo. Their classmates and teachers welcomed them enthusiastically and they had a great time together that night.
When Ashleigh Hazelton got pregnant at the age of 14, she decided to keep the baby, but she also decided to continue her studies and finish school with her classmates.
She attended school throughout her pregnancy, then returned to her studies just six weeks after giving birth, but in the meantime she did not neglect her duties as a mother. With a lot of work, she finally managed to celebrate her high school graduation with her classmates and was ready to go to prom.
But instead of showing up with a boy her own age, Ashleigh brought along her young son as a partner, whom she dressed in a shirt, blue vest and red tie that matched her outfit perfectly.
The special moment between Ashleigh and Lorenzo was made even more beautiful by the reception, as her classmates and teachers cheered and clapped when they saw them. The young mother was very relieved, as she was initially worried about what the others would say to her prom partner.
“I got out of the car and everyone came running to me chanting my name. I felt loved and supported, and the fact that Lorenzo and I went to the prom together just seemed appropriate,” recalled Ashleigh, whose friends’ support meant an unspeakable amount to her.
Her mother, Haley Tricker, was very proud of her and delighted to see the enthusiastic reception her daughter and granddaughter received. She knew that many people judged her daughter for becoming a mother at 15, but she was very proud of her courage and perseverance and helped her through everything. While Ashleigh was at school, she took care of her granddaughter, but when her daughter got home at noon, she took care of Lorenzo without socks.
While her loved ones and friends were clearly supportive of the young girl, online users were more divided, with some disagreeing with Ashleigh taking on the role of mother at such an early age. “It is very sad. A child taking care of a child,” wrote one commenter.
“Let’s not normalize teenage pregnancy. I don’t mean to be judgmental or prudish, but teens need to focus on school, fun, and the future,” added another respondent.
However, others defended the girl and found it commendable that she behaved so responsibly at such a young age. “Not only did she take on seniority for her pregnancy and give birth to her baby, but she also continued her studies and earned her degree. Further success!” wrote a supportive user.
“At least he is responsible and takes his studies seriously! Hopefully his mother will help him and both of them grow up together with their little boy,” another commenter added.
Ashleigh and her family try to focus on the kind words and ignore the mean comments. The young girl now plans to continue her studies and wants to become a firefighter.
