Prom night for high school students often holds special moments. The Grossmont Union High School District’s Senior Prom for Special Education students, was memorable and full of fun moments. The event was held on June 9, in the El Cajon Elks Lodge banquet room.
Around 140 students from East County’s high school special education programs partied away across the excellent wood dance floor. The DJ who selected the lively tunes is a program aide. A photographer provided free pictures for the partygoers.
Prom night for high school students often holds special moments. The Grossmont Union High School District’s Senior Prom for Special Education students, was memorable and full of fun moments. The event was held on June 9, in the El Cajon Elks Lodge banquet room.
Around 140 students from East County’s high school special education programs partied away across the excellent wood dance floor. The DJ who selected the lively tunes is a program aide. A photographer provided free pictures for the partygoers.
Hosting four dance parties yearly for the GUHSD special education students since 2011, the loge celebrates Halloween, December holidays and Valentine’s Day dances with particular themes, but the June Senior Prom celebrates transitioning students, who are either moving from school days directly into work roles, or from the first four high school years into a second four years of “transition” schooling in basic independence skills such as traveling from place to place around town, providing adequate identification, and filling out job applications. Transitioning students in their late teen years through early 20’s, learn how to become reliable employees in work tasks.
Sterling Slagle was instrumental in bringing the special education dances to the lodge, where in 2011 he served as Elks leader while working as a special education aide at Monte Vista High School.
“This is kind of like a tradition now,” she said.
Slagle was at the latest prom with his son Tim, who said he loves to dance.
“I like hip hop,” he said. “When I know the song, I’m good.”
Tim Slagle graduated from the West Hills High School special education program last year and is now concluding his first of four years transitioning at Santana High School.
David Blue and his son Tommy Blue, who is 18, talked about the fun they were having.
“Tommy loves to dance and is very comfortable here. He reconnects with girls that he knows from school,” said David Blue.
Tommy Blue attended the dances for three years, and he is finishing his first year of transition at Monte Vista High School, where he also spent his prior four years of schooling.
Current Elks Exalted Ruler Patty Hamilton said she was enjoying the dancing. She said the local Elks’ involvement with the East County special education programs, is a reminder that children, youth and veterans are primary focuses of Elks volunteer and fundraising efforts.
Students in the El Cajon High School transition classes walk over to the lodge twice weekly, learning how to clean the facility and prepare envelopes. El Cajon Elks were awarded a $2,000 grant from the larger Elks organization, based on hosting the GUHSD special education dances. The El Cajon Elks have donated $5,000 each year as a vocational scholarship to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center since 2011.
Members of the Mother Goose Parade Court were at the prom as well, dancing and having photo sessions with the prom celebrants.
“This is my favorite event of all that I attend,” said Kelli Loper, Mother Goose Parade queen.
Jennifer Hunt, assistant director for Special Education at the Grossmont Union District office said she is enthused over the dances.
“I try not to miss one. I am having a blast,” she said.
Hunt said many of these youths have trouble getting through a school day well but become encouraged, happy and independent at these dances. She further praised the El Cajon Elks for hosting the events.
“This is a wonderful location, like at a real dance hall. The club has been so generous to the District,” she said.
Hunt said “interacting positively” at the dances is part of the learning process for these teens and young adults—and their families, friends and supporters as well. Many of the teachers were there attending the prom, alongside peer tutors of the same age as the special education students.
“This is one of the most positive changes,” she said. “Students without disabilities attend.”
This year’s El Capitan High School Homecoming Queen, Melena Lerma, chosen by her peers for the honor, has Down syndrome.
“This is a celebration for these families,” said Hunt.
