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11 | Thursday, May 19, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Towne Square plays host venue to a surprise`prom-posal' by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff When Julie Kostecki, 19, and her mom Yolanda headed downtown to do some shopping Friday (May 13), only Yolanda knew there was more to the trip than visiting some shops. Once there, Kostecki was surprised by balloons, bubbles, noisemakers and more, as long-time friend and fellow St. Ignatius of Loyola classmate John Paul (J.P .) Hanna delivered a `prom-posal' as well as flowers and a tiara to Kostecki. The two exchanged a hug after Kostecki accepted the invitation. At left, Kostecki is walked in by a Loyola classmate. For more photos and a video, visit insidehalton.com/oakville-on. | photos by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Romance was in the air at Towne Square Friday (May 13) where a 17-year-old St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School student pulled out all stops for a `prom-posal.' John Paul (J.P .) Hanna, wearing a stylish suit and pink shirt, brought about 30 friends to help him ask the important question. His friends cheered, blew noisemakers, waved balloons, blew bubbles and held a placard that read, "Every king deserves his queen so be mine at Prom." The recipient of all this attention was fellow Loyola student Julia Kostecki, 19. Hanna said he and Kostecki have been friends since Grade 9 and noted this would not be their first time attending a prom together. Julia, who has Down Syndrome, invited Hanna to attend a special needs program's prom two years ago. "She's put a smile on my face every single day and I just thought it would be amazing if I could take her to my senior prom," said Hanna. "I wanted to go all out because she deserves it. She's such an amazing woman and she has made everyone here so happy." Happy didn't begin to describe Kostecki's reaction to the spectacle. Kostecki's mother Yolanda had told her they were going shopping. Kostecki was completely surprised when she rounded a corner into Towne Square and did not hesitate to accept Hanna's `prom-posal' as Hanna presented her with flowers and a tiara. "This is amazing," said Kostecki. "He is the best friend I've got. This is just shocking. Wow." Julia's mother Yolanda was also moved. "It's spectacular. It's wonderful that John Paul wants to take Julia as his prom date. It shows what a great person he is," she said. "She met him at school. He constantly would stop and chat with Julia and really make her feel special." WIN A $250 Gift Card to your favourite Dorval Crossing Store! Enter at www.dorvalcrossing.com Contest Ends August 31st, 2016 Over 60 Shops & Services located at the QEW & Dorval Drive Visit dorvalcrossing.com for more information