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On Friday May 15, the best buddies club joined together at the Italian American Club for their first ever semi-formal dance. Best buddies is a non profit club devoted to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by offering opportunities for individual friendships. Through this program long lasting relationships are created, and everyone learns to become a little more accepting of kids who may not be the same as everyone else.

Ms. Ryan Connors has been working hard to create an event that many special needs kids are not able to experience during their high school career such as prom. The results of her hard work consisted of beautiful invitations, dinner, dessert, and a room full of people in high spirits.

Everyone looked their best for the event. The girls got their hair and nails done and were wearing beautiful dresses, while the boys sported their shirts and ties. The music added extra energy to the scene and caused the all the buddies to dance within minutes. In particular, Meghan Currie and Robyn Maloney were enjoying themselves dancing the night away and did not stop moving to the beat until the last song came to an end. Keith Fitzgerald waited patiently for his song “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen. When the song finally came on more than half way through the night, all that could be seen on his face was pure elation. He sang and danced without a care in the world and looked like a true rock star doing it.

Those who were not too keen on dancing had other options, including a medley of estimation jars and taking pictures with friends. Winners of the estimation jars included, Haley Trull (Reeses), Rachel Menard (M&M’S), and Natalie Doyle (Starbursts).

Dinner consisted of pasta, pizza, bread, and salad. Many people were eager to eat because they had worked up such an appetite showing off their moves on the dance floor. Immediately following dinner there was more dancing and then some delicious cake with vanilla frosting, ice cream, and brownies.

This event coordinated by Ms. Connors was an achievement that was responsible for many smiling faces and great memories.  The night was one that will be remembered by the buddies and teachers alike. Ms. Connors said, “The best buddies semi-formal dance was a huge success and the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We can’t wait for next year!”