It started as something his grandmother said when he was little, and 14 years later, a Wisconsin teenager followed through.

At La Crosse Central High School this spring, 17-year-old Avant Williams arrived at prom with his grandmother, Svala Heller, after promising as a toddler that he would one day take her.

Heller grew up in Iceland, where prom traditions are not as common as they are in the United States. After watching American movies and television shows with prom scenes, she said she had long wanted to experience it herself.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a prom,” Heller said. “Watching American TV and all that glamour that goes with it.”

Williams said his grandmother had talked about that dream for years.

“Since I was like a little kid, my grandma’s been telling me she wanted to go to prom,” Williams said. “It’s her dream, and today I just feel like I should make that come true.”

Before the dance, Williams and Heller posed for photos with his friends as part of the night.

Heller said the evening meant a lot to her.

“We have such a special bond,” she said. “I’m just taking every inch in and just enjoying every moment.”

The night also included Williams’ best friend, Ruben Smith, who joined as Heller’s second prom date.

“No one gets to take their best friend’s grandma to prom,” Smith joked. “It’s special.”

Williams said keeping the promise meant everything to him.

“I’ve only been looking up to this moment since I was like 2 years old,” he said. “I love my grandma. She’s been there for me my whole life. I’m just happy I can make her dream come true.”

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