Conn. student James Tate goes to prom after over-the-top invitation

(CBS/WFSB/AP) SHELTON, Conn. - Connecticut student James Tate attended his high school's prom Saturday, nearly a month after he was briefly barred for his over-the-top invitation to his date.

The Shelton High School senior almost missed the big dance after posting his invitation to Sonali Rodrigues in 12-inch-high cardboard letters on an outside school wall.

According to CBS affiliate WFSB, school officials had said his invitation was a safety risk and suspended him for a day and barred him from the prom.

Headmaster Beth Smith later reversed the decision, acknowledging the international attention the case received.

Dressed in a three-piece black tuxedo with a purple flower in his jacket pocket, Tate arrived at a pre-prom photo event followed by television cameras.

Rodrigues, dressed in a lavender prom dress, said her date was funny and "pretty cute."

More on Crimesider
May 13, 2011 - Conn. student James Tate still not going to the prom, says headmaster