Putting on fancy dresses or tuxedos. Dancing to the latest music and retro tunes like the requisite “YMCA.” Voting for king and queen.
Twenty-one of the older residents of St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children took part in these time-honored rituals of prom on Sunday.
This was the fourth prom held at St. Mary’s Home and the second done in collaboration with students from Norfolk Academy, who were matched up with residents as their dates and decorated the Atrium in an Asian-influenced style, with red balloons and golden bows. SMHDC staff also helped with prom, providing food, putting on the girls’ makeup and dancing a bit themselves. St. Mary’s Auxiliary Board paid for tuxedo rentals and a DJ.
“Every opportunity they have to interact with their peers who are not disabled is wonderful,” said Marie Armstrong, whose niece, Victoria, was all smiles during the dance.
You can read more about the prom in today’s Virginian-Pilot and see a video of the prom below: