Chapel Hill hosted its first Superhero Dance for Adapted and Occupational Course of Student (OCS) students April 26.
The dance, held in the cafeteria during afternoon school hours, was designed as a more comfortable prom for the students.
“This particular dance gives [Adapted and OCS students] the opportunity to have a smaller setting for [prom] and can include all of the teachers and teacher assistants they see and utilize each day because this dance is offered during the regular school hours,” Assistant Principal Heather Hill, who helped organize the dance, said.
Students were encouraged to dress in superhero masks and armbands for the dance.
“The dance was superhero-themed because these students are superheros in life, and we want to recognize and celebrate their achievements,” Hill said.
Student Government and Project Unify students helped set up the event and also assisted students during the dance.
Senior Alex Kerr was a student representative from Project Unify, a club that hosts events for students in the special education classrooms.
“Events like these are so important to me because I think that everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in our school and extracurricular activities and these events allow every student to do so,” Kerr said.
OCS teacher Patricia Utz loved seeing the student student response to the dance.
“The students loved it. It’s not often that they get to prom,” she said. “One student came in a three-piece suit. They had a delightful time. Every single student has spoken about [the dance] since then.”
All food and drink for the dance was specially designed and supplied by Chapel Hill’s cafeteria staff.
Cafeteria Manager Ashley Aliano donated food and drink for the dance, such as ice cream and cookies. She works with several of the OCS and Adapted curriculum students on a regular basis.
“We have kids that fill chips, wrap cookies and fill up the drinks and silverware,” Aliano said. “It gives the kids a chance to do everyday jobs that can help them in the future. They come down every day so excited to work; it’s great to see.”
Hill said she was pleased with how the dance went.
“Some students are shy and need courage to engage,” Hill said. “Having an event which involved representatives of all Chapel Hill students makes Chapel Hill an inclusive environment, which is the best learning environment for students.”
