The night was also filled with dazzling attire, hairstyling and makeup.
by Patricia Schallert
On March 8th, 2024, Mission Church hosted an unforgettable prom for students (aged 12 to 25) with disabilities from all over Ventura County. The aim was to create a stress-free and enjoyable experience in a safe and inclusive space for students to have fun, socialize, and create cherished memories. The theme for the prom was “A Night to Remember,” and it was held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The venue was transformed into a captivating space, bringing the “A Night to Remember” theme to life and was free of charge for the students and their escorts.
The fairground venue was transformed into a truly magical setting, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning ambiance that perfectly captured the spirit of the event. The decorations, combined with the efforts of the volunteers, made the prom a truly memorable experience.
A tremendous amount of community support contributed to the prom’s success. Over 400 students with disabilities and over 800 volunteers participated in the event.
Transportation was arranged with party buses, limousines, and even classic cars, ensuring a smooth and glamorous arrival to the red carpet.
Lead Pastor, Mike Hickerson of Mission Church, expressed how this night was a unique and heavenly experience for both the guests and volunteers. He emphasized “that when everyone is out on the dance floor together, they recognize their similarities, and it feels like something is truly right in the world.”
The night was also filled with dazzling attire, hairstyling, makeup, corsages or boutonnieres. As the guests walked down the red carpet, they were cheered on by paparazzi, families, and volunteers, making them feel like true celebrities. Each student guest was accompanied by a student host from the community. Photo booths captured precious memories as the guests entered the venue.
Delicious food and drink options were carefully selected. Dietary restrictions and preferences were considered and were catered to everyone’s needs. The music, provided by a professional DJ, played music to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone could enjoy themselves on the dance floor and show off their dance moves.
The “Night to Remember” prom was more than a special night. It will hold a lasting impact on the community. Taylor Hunt, NTR’s Event Director, expressed excitement about the event’s ability to celebrate and uplift people who are often overlooked and under-celebrated. The organizers went above and beyond to tailor every aspect of the prom to the needs and preferences of the attendees.
Overall, the Ventura prom “Night to Remember” for students with disabilities in 2024 was a resounding success, made possible by the hard work and dedication of event organizers, volunteers, and the tremendous support from the community. It provided an inclusive and joyous occasion where students with disabilities could celebrate and create lasting memories. After a pause during the Covid pandemic, “Night to Remember” finally returned and left an indelible mark on all those who attended.
