It was a day long anticipated and one that will not soon be forgotten for 14 LaSalle Parish high school special needs students.
On Friday, April 17, the students took part in their own unique prom, entitled “A Very Special Prom,” which is sponsored each year by the LaSalle Parish School System’s Special Education Department.
“Several years ago, Tim Tebow held his prom-style event in Alexandria called ‘Night to Shine’ and several from LaSalle Parish attended,” said LaSalle Parish Special Education Supervisor Jenene Bignar. “The following year, Cherie Brewer, who was working at JHS in the Special Education Department, asked if we could do something similar for our students. I of course was excited about that idea, and we immediately started making plans.”
That was over ten years ago and last Thursday, the department held its 11th annual prom where the students, their parents, special education department employees and others, joined together to create a special experience for their special young men and women.
“With prom such a special time for high school students, we wanted to ensure that all students have the chance to experience a special event as prom,” stated Heather Whatley of the Special Education Department.
Because of many of the students’ special needs, attending their school’s traditional prom is often unimaginable. From sensory issues to physical limitations, special restrictions and accommodations must be in place for students in the special education department, but the overall enjoyment of a prom is something that is attainable and has been for ten years now.
Preparation for the special prom begins weeks before the actual night.
“We have the students try on clothes, real prom-style clothing, to get their sizes and fits perfectly for the big night,” Bignar said. “All of these clothes, shoes and accessories have been generously donated by the community, and we keep all of them in a special room that we reuse each year. We want them to look stunning for their big night.”
On the day of the event, students from LaSalle High travel over to Jena High where student volunteers join the prom excitement and share with their fellow students in preparing for their big night.
“I can’t say enough about our students who assist during this day,” Bignar said. “The girls will spend hours fixing our students’ hair, make up and nails while the boys take the other guys and play games while the girls get ready. Later that night, those same students will return to the actual dance and enjoy more time with the prom attendees.”
Games, movies and treats are enjoyed all the way up until the time the special need students are completely ready to load the bus and head to The Brisket House for the prom meal.
“We can’t say enough about the work The Brisket House and their employees do for us with this event,” the supervisor said. “Jason and Kristen LeBrun provide a free meal for our prom and they always do a fabulous job of decorating the room and tables. This year, the LeBruns also provided meals for all of the staff, which was greatly appreciated.”
Once the meal was over, the students loaded back onto the bus and traveled to the Dogtrot House at the Jena Town Park. There, official prom photographs were taken in a special photoshoot, much like the traditional prom’s counterpart. The students’ parents joined their students for the official photoshoot.
Following the photoshoot, attendees loaded back onto the bus and head to the prom site, which was the JHS girls’ gym, where half of it was decorated with balloons, lights, a video screen with music, food and drink area, and photo locations.
The dance portion of the prom began at 6 p.m. and lasted for two hours.
Joining the students during the dance portion of the prom included all LaSalle Parish Special Education Department staff, parents and other Jena High and LaSalle High students.
“It really takes a lot of people to conduct this prom each year and I just want to thank everyone who had a part,” Bignar said. “Along with The Brisket House, we also want to thank Chris and Amanda Hughart with Magical Memories 2 Geaux for providing the photobooth at the prom, and of course the many people who have donated money and clothes each year.”
For more information about the prom or to find out how you can be involved in next year’s prom, contact Bignar at the LaSalle Parish Special Education Department at (318) 992-5971, or jbignar@lasallepsb.com.
