League School of Greater Boston hosted a special celebration this past weekend at its campus in Walpole. On Friday, May 19, students donned their finest dresses and suits for the school’s first ever prom, which featured dancing and much more.
League School students often don’t have the chance to take part in traditional events that their neurotypical counterparts do, with prom being an example. This year staff spared no expense in giving students a fully-fledged yet sensory-friendly prom experience, complete with music, dancing, photos, games, limo rides and food.
The night was a rousing success, with more than 40 students and their families taking part and more than a dozen staff members volunteering their time to make the evening so special.
In keeping with League School’s philosophy, the event was largely student-led, with a prom committee helping to organize the event and the entire student body choosing the “Disney” theme for the evening.
Students arrived to a red carpet outside the school, took photos with Princess Belle, and enjoyed food catered by Hearth Pizzeria & Craft Kitchen of Needham.
Above the Rest Transportation of Walpole provided limo service for students to take a spin around the school property before heading into the school.
The school’s Vetstein Auditorium served as the main dance hall, which took into account students’ various sensory needs. The school’s gymnasium featured a variety of lawn games for those students needing a break from the dancing. Raffles were also held during the event to help pay for future proms.
“Thanks everyone who helped us, and it was great to be able to work with my peers to make this prom happen,” said Zuly, who helped lead the student prom committee. “It was my dream to have prom for all of us, and I want to thank everyone for making my dream come true.”
In particular, students thanked Assistant Director of Education Michaela Fanelli and Director of Education Patrick Fuller for supporting the idea of having a prom for League School students.
