Theresa Stronach and Alana Shevory
January 27, 2023
Students Luke Ryan and Sophia Coleman pose with Best Buddies President Theresa Stronach.
DHS’ Best Buddies program hosted a prom at the American Legion in Dedham last Sunday.
The program was started one year ago and has had many highlights since, including the formation of a Unified Basketball team, students attending leadership conferences, and a series of fun events for participating students.
Sunday's event was the Best Buddies Snowball. Along with local schools Norwood and Westwood, students were invited to enjoy an accessibility-friendly prom--a 4-hour celebration that included pizza, dancing, and a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately, for many reasons, students with disabilities tend to not attend traditional proms. However, by hosting an event like this, students with disabilities get to experience the joy and rite of passage of the milestone event.
Dedham celebrated its two senior students, Shiri Lipschitz and Michael Ho, by crowning them "Prom Royals."
To bring this event to life, many local restaurants, facilities, and companies contributed donations. In addition, students from all three attending schools took the initiative to raise funds for the cause.
"It was a great night," said DHS Connections teacher Ms. Latorella. "The kids had an awesome time and did not leave the dance floor. “
Best Buddies plans on making the prom an annual event.
Overall attendance is expected to grow next year.
Meet the Writers!
Theresa Stronach, class of 2023, is the Editor-in-Chief of the Dedham Mirror. She is the President of the Best Buddies DHS Chapter and competes as a Marauder on the field hockey, ice hockey, and softball teams. Theresa is on the Executive Board of the Performing Arts Company and is a writer for Communities of Hope. In her free time, she interns at the Faulkner Hospital and enjoys reading.
Alana Shevory, class of 2025, is a staff writer of the Dedham Mirror. Alana competes for the following teams: Field Hockey, Hockey, and Lacrosse. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
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