Valley special-needs students gather for unforgettable prom

By Elise Franco

efranco@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Special Needs Prom 2010

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Music, plus dresses, tuxes and dancing equals one prom night to remember.

On Thursday night about 250 special needs high school students in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties attended their own prom at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman.

Lisa Calzo, special needs aide at Canfield High School, said the prom, in its 14th year, gives special needs students the opportunity to experience the same things their other classmates experience.

“It’s everything you would experience during a typical prom,” Calzo said. “They can just be themselves here, and it’s great.”

Calzo said the kids, who range in age from 15 to 22, are treated to a buffet-style dinner, professional photos, dancing and the crowning of a prom king and queen.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to see these kids having such a good time,” she said. “Going to prom is a life dream all kids have. They want to be typical like other students, and this gives them the opportunity to experience that.”

The prom, which is free for students, is made possible by many generous donors throughout the tri-county area, said Alicia Muzina, intervention specialist at CHS.

“Response from the public has been outstanding,” she said. “This would never happen without the donors.”

Calzo said everyone from the caterers to the photographer to the disc jockey volunteered their time. Calzo also said about 35 students from Canfield and several from other local districts accompany the special needs students.

“They come because the kids aren’t allowed to sit,” she said. “They’ve got to be up, having fun and out on that dance floor.”

And it was the dancing that seemed to be what many of the kids looked forward to most.

Beth Schorsten, 18, a Boardman High School student, said last night was her first prom, and she intended to have a good time.

“I like to dance,” Schorsten said. “I am excited to dance with all my friends.”

Emily Ayers, 18, a Salem High School student, said she and her boyfriend Adam Buckius, 16, also of Salem, have been to the prom before and enjoy seeing all their friends together.

“My favorite thing is dancing with my boyfriend and dancing with all my friends,” Ayers said. “I also like seeing all the lights and all the people and getting to ride in a limo.”