Miss America Nina Davuluri is defending the Pennsylvania high school student who asked her to prom during a school assembly, earning him an in-school suspension.
The pageant star uploaded a post to Facebook two days after the stunt was pulled at Central York High School.
"On Thursday, a student invited me to prom and gave me a flower while I was giving a presentation in York, Pennsylvania. I was flattered by the gesture although I am unfortunately unable to attend due to my travel schedule. I later learned of the disciplinary action taken and reached out to the school in hopes that they will reconsider their decision," she said.
"Meeting and interacting with students across the country has been an important and rewarding part of my year as Miss America. I always encourage students to follow their dreams through education, and I'm inspired daily by the enthusiasm and aspirations of the bright young adults I have the pleasure of meeting through my travels."
Patrick Farves, 18, popped the question to Davuluri despite being ordered by school officials not to go through with it.
"Maybe later," Davuluri responded, smiling and laughing.
Davuluri was at the school to discuss diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.
"At that point in time, it was 10 minutes before the presentation, and I was pretty much set to do it," Farves told the York Dispatch. "I was a little pressured. Everybody expected me to do it. I'm the kind of person who, if someone says I won't do something, I'll prove people wrong. I will."
However, he eventually apologized and wrote a letter to school district's assistant superintendent saying he was sincerely sorry.
"I do understand why the administration was mad," he told the Dispatch. "I don't want to be the kind of person to try to justify myself ... I didn't intend to disrespect the administration. I can see how it was seen as a slap in the face."
