Starry Night Prom
Dancing the night away at the popular DeLaSalle spring event
by Nancy Sopkowiak
Do you remember the
excitement of attending your high school prom? Did you skip the experience
due to disability concerns? Or did you feel uncomfortable attending
because of the lack of inclusion and accessibility. Never again!
On May 3rd, DeLaSalle High School hosted the memorable Starry Night
Prom for persons living with disabilities.
DeLaSalle Vice-President Peg Hodapp chairs the complimentary Starry
Night Prom. She fondly recalls the first Starry Night Prom back in
2001 which hosted 70 party revelers. Starry Night Prom enthusiasm has
spread throughout the disability community, mostly by word of mouth.
This year 1015 people attended, which included family and helpers for
the guests. Ms. Hodapp estimates about 750 party attendees were guests
with disabilities. Guests of all ages came with a date, in a group,
or stag and reveled in the festivities, refreshments, and dancing.
One hundred seventy-five DeLaSalle
students volunteered their time and enthusiasm to Starry Night
Prom this year. The 9th - 12th graders from the DeLaSalle Diversity
Committee spent months planning the event, including attendance
at sensitivity training. A training highlight involved someone
with a disability talking about life’s ups
and downs. On May 3rd the kids put up decorations, directed parking,
manned registration tables, served treats, and danced with the guests.
The Grand March, held in the dance hall, opened the evening with much
zest. As each couple or group came under the sparkling Grand March
Arch, the crowd cheered. Some guests loved the march so much, they
went through twice.
The dancing broke out after the Grand
March. Groups, individuals, couples, and line dancers grooved to
the resounding music. In an adjoining room, some guests sampled
snacks and drinks in café atmosphere.
Another large room held the photography studio, where guests could
have pictures taken. Other folks relaxed in the quieter hallways.
Many areas bustled with activity. Due to the amazing growth of the
prom, the Diversity Committee will continue discussing ideas to maneuver
the crowds for more fabulous fun in years to come.
Ever After Gowns, a local non-profit
company, provided beautiful formal gowns for those in need. Ladies
were invited to a complimentary Boutique to pick out their dress
and accessories. “It’s not just
about the dress,” said Maggie Harris, president and co-founder
of Ever After Gowns. “It’s about the experience we feel
every girl deserves to have.
Monika Dizer, a prom attendee, enjoyed her special day of pampering
at the Ever After Gowns Boutique in April. When Monika arrived, she
felt flattered when they presented her a special flower with her name.
Soon a personal shopper brought Monika back to the boutique. Held in
a school cafeteria, the room looked like a beautiful upscale shop with
racks and racks of dresses. Assisted by the staff, Monika chose a stunning
black gown. Next her shopper guided Monika around the room to find
accessories: shoes, shawls, jewelry, nail polish, make-up, and a black
silk purse. The staff even photographed Monika in her finery.
Monika attended Starry Night Prom with her fiance Angelo Garcia, as
they have for several years. They both appreciated the classy evening.
Angelo enjoyed his ice cream treat and the fun crowd. Monika loved
dancing and having pictures taken.
The students seemed to have
as much fun as the guests. “By the
end of the night, it’s like we are best friends. I like being
a part of that,” a student said. As each guest departed, a
committee member gave them a “Starry Night 2008” ceramic
star as a memento of the evening. ![]()
If you are interested
in attending Starry Night Prom next year, visit: www.delasalle.com.
For more information about Ever After Gowns, look up: www.everaftergowns.org
