Very Special Prom 2008

Prom gives Special Ed students a chance to shine

More than 150 BOCES Special Education students, alumni and their guests spruced up and stepped out for a night of food, fun and dance at this year's Very Special Prom, held on June 1 at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel in Albany. The prom is a much anticipated annual event that was begun 27 years ago at the request of a number of special education students hoping for a celebration they could call their own.

The prom, which has grown from a homespun school-based dance to something more akin to other high school proms, is a true example of BOCES division-wide collaboration. A cache of donated formalwear—gowns, suits and shoes—help outfit students. Corsages and boutonnieres are crafted by students in the BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) floral design program. Dozens and dozens of cookies are baked by culinary students. Up-dos and manicures are courtesy of CTE cosmetology students. In addition, cash and in-kind donations from BOCES staff, students, and local businesses make the event one that is accessible and affordable to all.

The Very Special Prom is also an event that allows students to shine. Michelle Rosenberger, a BOCES special ed alum and one of the students whose suggestion helped start the prom tradition, spoke happily of the prom as a way to reconnect with friends and teachers.

"There's really nothing else like it for the Special Ed kids," says Rosenberger.