The story behind American proms dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The event itself had been started by universities as a way to teach proper etiquette to young ladies and men.
However, as time has gone on, prom as a whole has modernized. It has become known through media culture as a night in which students in their senior year of high school are allowed to dress up and let loose with friends.
Nevertheless, the environment of prom can prove to be overwhelming for those with special needs. There are various factors that contribute to a student feeling overstimulated at prom, such as the crowdedness and loudness of the environment.
Many students with special needs require certain accommodations within each environment they go into. This is where the idea for a Unified Prom comes in, providing an understanding environment under the prom lens.
Co-organizer and special-education teacher, Mr. James Chiappetta states, “Unified Prom is fully inclusive and intentionally designed to meet the sensory, social, and physical needs of all students. The environment is welcoming and judgment-free, and every student is celebrated for who they are.”
Working alongside Chiappetta is Mrs. Catherine Ganun: Unified Sports organizer, Key Club advisor, and a Foran faculty member. She describes the prom as a place where attendees have fun both singing and dancing with their friends.
Assistant Principal Mrs. Dena Kelly states, “The Unified Prom is a great opportunity for students to come together and enjoy a memorable evening… Seeing students dancing, socializing, sharing a meal, and simply having fun is a joy to witness.
Many of those involved in the event have put a major emphasis on the importance behind the dance, seeing as it provides students with a chance to socialize under an environment of little to no pressure.
Kelly goes on to state, “Events like this are meaningful because they create inclusive experiences that all students can celebrate and carry with them as part of their high school memories.”
Foran hosted its Unified Prom at the school’s cafeteria on May 7 from 3-5 pm. As the date had neared, culinary chef Miss. Randy Colin entered the scene with a plan to provide the event with its main dessert: cake.
Randy stuck to the tropical theme of the prom by preparing a beach cake design that incorporates all someone expects to find at a seashore: water, sand, beach chairs, and shells.
The Foran community has been more than welcoming to both volunteers and neighboring schools wishing to attend. The current reservation list for the dance includes both Law and Amity as well.
Fostering this open environment allows students to feel both welcomed and excited to socialize with those from neighboring schools.
Chiappeta states, “Unified Prom creates a space where every student, regardless of ability, can experience the joy, connection, and celebration that comes with a milestone event like prom.”
