If American films are anything to go by, proms are the highlight of the high school social calendar and everyone worth their salt has to go.
But sadly, these films also show those on the sidelines that don’t have a date or don’t even bother going, feeling like outsiders.
So one teenager from Texas, U.S, is trying to change that. Kennedy Bentley just had her own end of year prom but wants to organise the next one, for students with special needs.
Although prom season is now wrapping up, the 18-year-old wants the next one to be for those who have Down’s Syndrome and other conditions.
The youngster decided to get the ball rolling ahead of the event, as she understands that not all teenagers and their families can afford to splurge lots ofmoney on one night.
Luckily for her, local businesses have also agreed to offer their services for free.
‘I started to think about how we spend so much money — some kids spend almost $1,000 (£784)— and how not everybody has the opportunity to do that,’ Bentley, told the Dallas Morning News.
‘Their parents are already paying for medical needs and other classes they have to get through and don’t have the financial capacity to get kids to proms.’
The student, a graduating senior at Richardson High School, said she realised that many disabled children have ongoing medical costs as healthcare is not free in America.
She just wants one night for them to enjoy, the same as any highschooler without having to worry about anything else.
Kennedy connected with people with Down’s Syndrome at her church, but she noticed how some of the students at her school struggled to make friends.
She wondered if a social hub like prom would be alienating for people with disabilities, unable to navigate the venue and rituals.
‘People think it’s not their problem — that person is someone else’s problem. They don’t want to stop and take the chance to help that person,’ she added.
So she got involved in the Interact Club, the youth branch of Rotary International – an international service organisation – and worked with them to raise funds.
Kennedy tried to sort it all out in time for this year’s prom but was unable to secure all the connections.
But for next year, she has found a venue which will host the prom at a discounted rate.
Others have also volunteered their services including Dallas entertainer DJ Mike; clothing store Terry Costa which will provide dresses; and International Suit Wearhouse which will dress the boys.
What a sweet community effort.
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