A special prom was held for Austin High School’s special education students on Thursday at St.

Friday, May 11, 2001

A special prom was held for Austin High School’s special education students on Thursday at St. Augustine’s Jennings Hall.

The day for the second annual prom kicked off at AHS with the girls getting their hair done in their classroom by beauticians from Sterling Beauty Shop, Regis and Golden Tress. Their nails had been manicured two days previous by Heidi Penkava.

After the students were combed and primped, Mark Crum of Austin Transportation picked them up in limousines to transport them to St. Augustine’s.

Jennings Hall was decorated with an arbor furnished by Jim Stiles of Super Fresh and potted plants from Johnson Floral finished off the decor.

"We held the first special prom last year here at St. Augustine’s and had such a great response. The students wanted to do it again. Father Nelson was all for us doing this again even though he wasn’t around last year for the first one," said Connie Boes, a special education teacher at Austin High School.

Planning for the special prom, like every prom, started weeks ago with finding the perfect outfit to wear. Some of the students needed help with shopping and the advisers at the high school aided them.

A few of the parents went the whole nine yards purchasing shoes and formals or renting a tux for their child; others had smaller pocket books. One thrifty student went to the Salvation Army and purchased a suit.

"This prom is a nurturing, learning experience for the students," Boes said. "They learn about a new social situation and wearing appropriate attire for different occasions. They are mixing with the mainstream students as well."

Students from Austin High’s Youth Leadership, Fusion, the Honor Society and the communication and relations class attended the special prom. The students wheeled chairs, escorted students, pinned on corsages and boutonnieres, served food and danced. Tom Bridges from Sound Tronics provided the music.

Christ Episcopal Church served a sit-down dinner. The chef for the meal was Dave Pesonen. His mother, Glenna Pesonen, as well as Mary Frances Jones and Father Rich Ressler dished up the meals. They served chicken breast wrapped with bacon and covered with cream sauce, rice pilaf, baby carrots and lemon sherbet with a wafer.

A grand march followed the meal. Parents came to view the grand march. Cookies made by their children as well as punch were served to them.

"The length of the prom was just perfect," Boes said. "The kids danced so hard; by 2:30 they were beat. This prom was a great day for all involved."

Call Sheila Donnelly at 434-2214 or e-mail her at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.