Prom Day for La- Nya Walker Becomes Mother's Day for a Proud Ypsilanti Community

Ypsilanti, MI – Good things are happening in Ypsilanti.

On a joyful Saturday afternoon, a tight-knit community gathered at the Oakridge Apartments to celebrate a special milestone in the life of 16-year-old La-Nya Walker: her prom. Family, friends, and neighbors surrounded La-Nya, turning her prom send-off into a heartwarming tribute that felt more like Mother’s Day—a day of love, unity, and gratitude.

La-Nya sat like royalty on an elevated chair, surrounded by balloons, gifts, and heartfelt cards. Her father, Mr. Evin Walker, stood proudly nearby. When asked by Ypsilanti Press how he felt watching his daughter get ready for prom, he smiled with quiet pride and said, “That’s my baby. I am so proud of her.”

La-Nya’s journey has not been easy. Yet she continues to excell in all her academic classes.Her mother passed away from illness when she was just two years old. Her grandmother, Mrs. Monda Andrews, stepped in to raise her, but sadly passed away two years ago. Undeterred, the family rallied around La-Nya. Her great-grandmother, Louise Jones-Allen, and her step-mother, Kalyn Sanderfer, have continued to love, guide, and support her.

“La-Nya is wise beyond her years,” said Kalyn. “She will be graduating a year and a half early from ACCE High School here in Ypsilanti. We are very proud of her.”

When asked about her plans after high school, La-Nya responded with confidence and clarity: “I will complete a two-year college program at Washtenaw Community College. I want to become a lawyer to protect my community from injustice.”

In a moment that could have been just about dresses and limousines, the family and friends at  Oakridge Apartments reminded everyone what community truly means. In Ypsilanti, it still takes a village—and this village shows up with love.

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