La Grange ISD Hosts First-Ever Special Prom
As prom season gets underway in Fayette County, many teenagers are busy renting their tuxes, buying their dresses, and planning after-parties but this year a new and special prom started at La Grange ISD, a Special Education Prom.
This year’s first annual La Grange ISD Special Prom was held on Thursday, March 9 at the La Grange ISD High School between 1-3 p.m. Grades 7-12 were invented along with other school districts including Flatonia, Giddings, Smithville, Schulenburg, Hallettsville, Fayetteville, Columbus, Weimer and Round Top-Carmine.
This prom was specifically for students that have disabilities that impact their lives more than others. Codi Kadlecek the director of Special Education at La Grange ISD with the Colorado River Cooperative said, “We have 13 qualifying disabilities for our special education program and we really like to use the student’s first language and want to make sure that their disabilities do not define them.”
“Before COVID, another surrounding district hosted. When the students asked if they could have it again, special education teachers Jeanette Sullivan and Jill Ahrens decided they would make it happen,” said Kadlecek. “It’s also important for all students to get to experience the milestone events of high school. Jeanette and Jill always have amazing ideas about how to ensure their students are getting all of their needs met, and not just academically.”
And like any teenager, the students wanted to dress the part. “They wanted to have their hair done with cosmetology that morning and the high school floral design class made boutonnieres and corsages for the students. Southern Ways and La Grange Middle School and La Grange High School employees donated a few dresses for students that were in need,” said Kadlecek.
Sullivan added, “It’s been amazing to see how everyone has come together to help make this happen for our students. This prom was extremely important for our students because it was their day! Their excitement was evident when the girls first talked about their dresses and how they wanted their hair done and the boys talked about wearing nice shirts with ties and boots. On Thursday alone just the joy on their faces proved just how important this day was. They’re invited to participate in mainstream events, but it’s nothing like this, a whole day where they are the main event!”
Along with cosmetology and the floral design class, the La Grange High School Student Council donated their time, La GrangeYearbook took photos, another student DJed, a parent provided black lights and other staff members donated or let them borrow things.
And not only were other classes, staff, students, and parents involved in the success of the event, but the organizers were blessed with a generous outpouring of support from the community. Donors included Adamcik’s State Farm, Oviedo, HEB, WalMart, Domino’s, Weikel’s Bakery, LG Print Co., Fayette Savings Bank, National Bank and Trust, Sandy’s Touch, Latte on the Square, Dollar Tree, Brawley Dental Clinic, Whataburger Southern Ways, Attorney Luis Vallejo, and Second Chance.
With 47 students in attendance and with the generosity of the community, Sullivan, Ahrens, and Kadlecek were not surprised by the success of the event and only plan to make next year’s prom bigger and better. Kadlecek said, “I was overall not surprised by the success of it. Jeanette and Jill put kids first and I knew with this event in their hands it would be amazing and I would love to say a big thank you for the support from this community. Even some of the other districts were amazed at the amount of support that was given and it just shows a lot about how great it is to live in La Grange. And with the support of our amazing community, we will be able to continue to grow the event.”
Prom is such a memorable event where memories are made and fun is had by all and this just goes to show everyone no matter their differences deserves a prom. That’s what makes it special.