A peer tutor in a  bow tie escorts a PEP student in a red sequined dress  down the yellow brick road on the floor at Biltmore Church.

A magical night for the Buncombe County Schools Progressive Education Program (PEP) began with a journey down the yellow brick road. 

A peer tutor dances with a PEP student.With a theme of “The Wizard of Oz,” the PEP prom, held at the east campus of Biltmore Church April 24, started with cheers for students as they entered the door, escorted down a yellow carpet by their peer tutors from T.C. Roberson High School. 

A PEP student stands between two peer tutors in front of the photo backdrop, posing for a photo.“This is such a super fun night to get dressed up and for us to be together,” said Beckett Lind, a Roberson sophomore. The first baseman is one of several players on the Rams baseball team serving as a peer tutor. “I’m here tonight with my friend Drake from PEP. Instead of focusing on school work tonight, we can just hang out and have fun. I love it!” 

A PEP student in a yellow dress dances with her peer tutor, who is in a suit.Students danced for hours, celebrating friendship and community. 

Special thanks to the team at Biltmore Church for hosting this year’s PEP Prom, along with Songs Sealed Delivered Party Entertainment, Van Wingerden Greenhouse, Chick Fil-A on Merrimon Avenue, DJ Craig Loveland, and all the the PEP staff members, parents, and students who created a memorable evening for all.

A PEP student in a cowboy hat and his peer tutor smile in front the DJ.