Woman's Club hosts special prom

The Wasco Woman's Club treated students with special needs from Wasco High School to a Cinco de Mayo-themed prom, where they enjoyed an afternoon of dancing, laughter and memories.

Leo Chavez is a special education teacher at Wasco High School. "Our kids get super excited about the prom. It's a good way to end the school year. It's fun for the kids and staff because they get to enjoy listening to music, dancing and socializing. It's almost like all the hard work they put in during the school year paid off. For them, it's like a little reward."

He said the dance also helps the students with their social skills. "By allowing them to take turns practicing with their peers coping skills, waiting and being patient, you see kids getting out of their shells. Kids that are normally shy are out there dancing and having fun."

Chavez added that for the parents, they get to see the students in a different setting, "so they get to sit back and watch them let loose a little bit."

Alison Hall is Kern County Superintendent of Schools Principal. She said, "Today is one of the best days of the year. Kids look forward to it and seeing them happy is just good. It's a great day."

"They typically wouldn't go to the Wasco High prom, so this gives them that opportunity to still have a typical high school experience."

She shared that it's an important partnership with the Wasco Woman's Club. "It integrates the kids into the community that much more, and the families are all local, making them feel like they know their kids are loved and appreciated."

Hall commented on the food, desserts, music, Cinco de Mayo theme, pictures, the special appearance by Santa and decorations, "It all comes together really nicely, and the Woman's Club goes above and beyond. We appreciate all they do for us."

Elizabeth Gonzalez came to support her daughter, Gabby. "I love it because she is included. It's about them. A lot of time, at other activities or parties, they're off to the side, and here is different. It's their fun."

She loves that Gabby dances the whole time. "Gabby loves the music, and she's nonstop. I think today is special for her because she gets to dress up. I do her hair. She wears a dress-something she normally doesn't do."

Gonzalez is grateful for the Woman's Club. "They do an amazing job of putting this together for the kids."

Cromwell Manongdo is a licensed vocational nurse for KCSOS. "It's nice that the kids are celebrating their prom. It's a celebration that they are special the way they are. The teachers also have a chance to let their hair down and celebrate with them."

DJ BoomDogg provided the music. "I've been doing it for years, and I keep coming back for the kids. It's rewarding. It makes me feel good to be able to help these ladies out and see how I can help bring joy to these kids' lives with music."

Sukie Martinez said, "It's always a blessing to do this because I see the joy and laughter in the kids' faces. It's just a time of fun. It's a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the Wasco Woman's Club, which presents this annual event to our special needs high school students. I think it was another successful event."