The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Joplin High School seniors are getting some help for their prom, including a surprise message from pop singer Katy Perry.

KSHB-TV reports (http://bit.ly/y13xd1 ) that the seniors gathered Thursday for an announcement and saw Perry's video message.

The pop star offered words of encouragement and told them a team of volunteers is giving them a special prom nine months after a tornado destroyed their high school.

Fed Ex donated $2,500 and helped donate a corsage or boutonniere for each senior.

Megan Green from Rockhurst University also helped gather more than 150 donated prom dresses.

Senior boys are getting tuxes for $50 from a local store, and a popular Joplin-area DJ, a photobooth company, a photographer, and event planner are donating their services.

Volunteers still need donations from dresses to cash.