This is a portion of an article written for the Star Telegram orginally published April 10
A special night for some special students in Kennedale
BY SHIRLEY JINKINS
Special to the Star-Telegram
KENNEDALE – Red streamers over the cafeteria entrance: Check. Corsage and boutonniere table: Check. DJ setting up the sound system: Check. {{more:[See more]}}
The Kennedale High School Special Needs Prom was just about ready to open the spring social season at Kennedale High School on Saturday. Formal tablecloths and flower arrangements adorned the round tables, and there was plenty of space for dancing over by the DJ.
The school?s general prom will be in May, but this night belonged to 15 students, plus their friends and family members, who don?t often get to bask in the spotlight or cut loose and dance.
The Kennedale girls volleyball team gave them that chance for the second year in a row.
Peyton Tankersley, center, leads fellow prom- goers & members of the volleyball team in a line dance –
Bob Haynes Special to the Star-Telegram
Last year about 50 people (students, family members and volleyball friends) attended the first special-needs prom. Saturday?s head count was about 75.
Players sought donations and volunteers from the community to make the prom sparkle. Local companies provided haircuts for the boys, makeup and hair services for the girls, food, beverages and items for goodie bags.
Kennedale Key Club members put together the corsages and boutonnieres, and all flowers and arrangements were provided by the city of Kennedale.
The school district had a prom dress drive to outfit girls in dresses they picked out themselves for the big night.
Many of the 30 volleyball players had already participated in as many as four tournaments Saturday, including those who play for clubs in addition to school competition.
“Everybody helps in different ways,? said head coach Jennifer Patterson, who is in her second year at Kennedale. “They?ve done trash pickup, cleaned up parks. I?m big on servant leaders.?
Baylee Gow, 17 and a junior, helped her teammates set up the buffet tables. Her sister Alex, an eighth-grader, is a special-needs student.
“She?s excited. She?s been talking about this ever since she heard about it,? Baylee said. “I?ll be serving here and just hanging out with my sister.? Their cousin Raeley Crosley, 15, is also a Kennedale volleyball player and was there to help.Read the full article and see more photos at Star
Telegram: Special Needs
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