SALT LAKE CITY — Students from four different high schools gathered together at Lehi High School in Utah County Friday, ready to dance the night away at this year's Specialty Prom.
The night was full of gorgeous dresses, dancing, royalty and a lot of kids having a great time on and off the dance floor.
According to a statement from Dan Peterson School, approximately 200 students came from four different schools, ATEC, ATEC-West, Dan Peterson School and Horizon. These schools serve students with special needs ranging from preschool through post-high school transitions.
This year, to support the dance's theme of an enchanted forest, members of the Alpine School District facilities team spent extra time building 5-foot-tall custom LED display lights to help give the evening a magical ambiance.
Their efforts paid off for the attendees.
"It's fun and I like the dance," said one student attending the event. "I like seeing everyone and being in a dress and just hanging out with friends."
"It honestly makes me cry almost every single time I come," said Karen Timmons, a teacher at Dan Peterson School. "They've literally all grown up together, and to see them out enjoying the time, it really … it just makes me so happy."
"The Special Schools Prom is more than just a dance; it's a night where every student, regardless of their challenges, gets to step into the spotlight and feel truly celebrated," said Ryan Hemming, principal of Dan Peterson School. "Seeing our community come together to create this inclusive environment reminds us why we do this work."
