A Starry Night
Samantha Busby looks cute in a pink gown while dancing with Connor Harris. | Clif Knight
Somerville Civitans sponsor prom for special needs citizens
A group of 40 special needs individuals danced the night away at Grace Point Baptist Church in Florette on Friday as honorees at a special prom, “It’s A Starry Night,” sponsored by Somerville Civitan Club.
“Since many of these teens and adults weren’t able to attend a prom when they were juniors and seniors in high school, we decided it was time for them to have a prom of their own,” said Civitan Ann Edwards, who has a special needs teenager of her own. As soon as word got out, folks in the community jumped in with offers to help.”
Matthew Legg and Jennifer Edwards pose for a photo after they were named Mr. and Ms. Prom Saturday night at the event sponsored by the Somerville Civitan Club. | Clif Knight
“We sent out 60 invitations and have teens and young adults here from throughout the county,” said chairwoman Tiffany Traylor. “We stressed that this was planned as their night and suggested that clothing need not be formal but rather comfortable.”
Nevertheless, some of the women came dressed in formal gowns while some of the men wore coats and ties.
The setting for the prom was as colorful and eye-catching as a school prom. The church sanctuary was decorated with glow sticks, balloons and streamers thanks to the efforts of several volunteers. Plus, decorated tables with floral centerpieces filled one side of the sanctuary, where prom goers enjoyed light refreshments.
Lighting and sound were provided by Professional Series Sound and Lighting Supplies of Somerville and McKnight Photography of Decatur took photographs of the prom goers.
“This is a community service we’re happy to provide,” said Civitan Hilliard Long. “One of the missions of Civitan International is to help wage the fight against birth defects and reach out to children with special needs.”
North Alabama Civitan Governor Randy Harvell was impressed with the prom project.
“We have a couple of clubs in North Alabama that do something like this,” he said. “They even go as far and collecting formal gowns for the ladies to use. I guarantee you that with the success of this event the club will work harder to make it even bigger and better next year,”
One of the most animated dancers on the dance floor was Matthew Legg of Somerville, a student at Brewer High.
“Ever since he heard about the prom, he has been so excited,” said his parents, Martin and Insuk Legg. “Martin thrives in these kind of things. Kids like him just want to be a part of the community.”
Listed as prom sponsors were: Grace Point Baptist Church, People’s Bank, Traditions Bank, Subway, Piggly Wiggly, Art Guild, Mary McCutcheon, McCutcheopn Contractors, Ken Mitchell Video, Jay McKnight Photography and Jailhouse Barbecue.
