Mora HS prom will be held at governor’s mansion

MORA, N.M. — Michael Barboa is a senior at Mora High School, and he’s been away from his parents for weeks, after getting separated from his family while evacuating.

Anali Roybal and Michael have been dating for more than two years, and Michael has been staying with her family in Pecos this whole time.

Now the couple and others are preparing not for evacuations, but for prom.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gave Mora High School the green light to have its prom at the governor’s mansion on Saturday, May 28.

 Albuquerque residents are now pitching in to act as their “fairy godparents” in a way.

“So we thought about taking that concept of Padrinos and turning it into a way to sponsor prom for Mora High School this year since they’ve had such a rough year,” said Nasha Torrez, one of the “unofficial prom committee” members. Torrez, Antonia Roybal-Mack and Ane Romero make up the committee.

They’ve been raising money for kids like Michael and Anali to have money for dresses, tuxes and even gas money for travel.

Torrez already sponsors Michael as part of a community program through the City of Mora Chamber of Commerce. She has roots in Mora, saying prom is a good start but she knows they’ll need so much more help as cleanup efforts begin.

“In my mind, no matter where I am no matter what I’m doing Mora is my home and I know a lot of New Mexicans feel that way too,” she said.

If you’d like to donate money for the prom you can check out the Mora Independent School District on Facebook for more information.

Mora High School graduation is also planned to take place in Santa Fe the day after their prom.

Santa Fe Mayor Allen Weber has been a big help securing hotel rooms for families that weekend, Torrez said.