Treasured Royalty
Kings and Queens Special Needs Prom Held
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
What a sight to behold… on Saturday, August 26th, the Ashland Area YMCA held its first-ever Kings and Queens Special Needs Prom. The idea of hosting a prom specifically for special needs children came up during the planning of the Ashland Area YMCA’s Special Olympics, which will take place at a later date to be determined. Julie Vinson, Training Coordinator at the Ashland Area YMCA, shared, “We were already in the process of organizing a Special Olympics when a member of the Ashland Area YMCA, LT Turner suggested the idea for us to hold a special needs prom. After attending "Our Night to Shine” (another special needs prom that is held annually) at her church, Christ Temple, Brooke Yanik, our Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, proposed the idea of having the Ashland YMCA host a prom specifically for individuals with special needs.”
The night began with the Ashland Area YMCA’s royal guests gathering in the front lobby and then being escorted down the hall and into the lower gymnasium, which was lovingly adorned with lights and backdrops. Volunteers and staff put so much thought, care, and love into making sure that the night went off without a hitch. As the guests were escorted into the gym by their special dates, they were given their very own crowns to make them feel like royalty. It was magical watching as volunteers and staff placed a crown on top of each guest’s head. Every crown given out was met with a grin from ear to ear and an unspoken feeling of gratitude that radiated down the halls of the YMCA.
Once the guests entered the gymnasium, many of them took straight to the dance floor while others went to check out the delicious refreshments set up for all to enjoy. What made the night even more special was the fact that so many students, businesses, coaches, and leaders within our community showed up to not only support the event but to take part in it. Ryan Bonner, Ashland Blazer’s Head Boys Basketball Coach, and a few of his Tomcat basketball players showed up and danced the night away with all the YMCA’s special guests. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives. With laughter heard all around and non-stop smiles seen in every given direction, this event would be an unforgettable night for all in attendance.
One guest, who wishes to remain nameless, shared her thoughts on the night’s events, “I feel like a princess. I have my crown and ballgown, and everybody is so nice to me. Thank you, YMCA for this night.” The Ashland Area YMCA’s Special Needs Prom was a big hit not only with the royalty who were in attendance but also with the volunteers and staff. The Ashland Area YMCA hopes to continue with this tradition year after year and hopes that with each passing year, the event will gain even more traction and bring in even more royalty.
