Joseph Rodriguez has his black zoot suit picked out and is
ecstatic about going to his very first prom.
Joseph Rodriguez has his black zoot suit picked out and is ecstatic about going to his very first prom.
“I look pretty stylin’ in it,” he said. “All the girls will want to dance with me.”
He and 20 other students from the special education program at San Benito High School will get dressed up, dine at a sit-down dinner and dance the night away at the prom this weekend thanks to community support.
When talking about the big night, it was obvious the students were most excited about one thing – dancing.
“I’m a dancing machine,” Brian Netzly said. “Especially to rock and roll music.”
This year is Dale Farney’s first prom as well.
“I’m going to dance all night,” he said.
Lacey Haag bought her elegant pink gown two weeks ago and decided on a tiara and matching earrings for the final touches.
“It’s exciting getting all dressed up, but I’m most excited about dancing,” she said.
Last year, nine students attended the prom with the help of Pamela Alvarado. Her son, Robert, wanted to go, so with help from teacher Ramona Trevino and others she was able to help the moderate to severely disabled students achieve the once in a lifetime experience.
“This is a life skills class where these students learn how to interact with the community,” Trevino said. “The concept of the prom is very exciting for them.”
After the students from last year shared their fun stories and what a great time they had, it perked interest in the rest of the class to attend.
“Part of the high school social experience for every student is prom,” Alvarado said. “It’s equally important for these students and all the students to attend.”
Trevino said the community has been extremely helpful by offering discounts and donations to help her students get to the dance in style. Dick Bruhn gave discounts on tuxedo rentals. Instead of paying $121, the average price of a tuxedo, the students only had to pay $27. Manager Janie Nieto said it made her feel good to help the young men get fitted.
“They were so excited when they came in,” she said. “We’re very happy we’re about to help them in that way.”
San Benito Flowers also gave a discount on flowers, and the Presbyterian Church will open its doors and hold a sit-down dinner. Many of the dresses were also donated by different community members.
“This is what I love about Hollister,” Trevino said. “The community cares about the students and anytime you ask for support there is always someone willing to give it to you.”
Through sending letters to local businesses, Alvarado said, she is already raising funds and lining up help for 2005. In the next couple of years, she hopes to incorporate any students, regular education or special education who are missing out on prom. “I think there are a lot of students in regular education who don’t have the chance to attend, and this is something everyone should experience,” she said.
Principal Duane Morgan said he’s thrilled the disabled students are looking forward to the big night and happy the community is helping to open doors for other students who otherwise may miss the annual event.
“Anytime a kid is given the chance to go when they might not have been able to otherwise is really cool,” he said. “I’m excited to hear they’re getting the chance.”
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330 or at ct*******@fr***********.com.
