Milford, Stratford Students Enjoy One Special Prom

MILFORD/STRATFORD — Prom season is always a memorable time in the lives of high school students and that was the case earlier this week during a very special event in Milford.

In fact, organizers of the annual 2022 Unified Prom said the event created an atmosphere within the Joseph A. Foran High School cafeteria that was "nothing but sunshine" on Monday afternoon.

This annual event, organized under the Unified Sports/Special Olympics umbrella, brings students with special needs together with student leader peers for an afternoon of dancing, food and "lots of bright smiles," according to Milford school officials.

Nearly 100 students attended the event representing Foran High School, Jonathan Law High School in Milford, IPPI/Stratford, Stratford High School, Bunnell High School in Stratford and the Parsons Perks team from central office.

A contingent of adult and student volunteers assisted throughout the afternoon, serving food, taking pictures and making sure a good time was had by all.

“Unified Prom is one of my favorite events of the year. The smiles and pure joy on the faces of our students at this special occasion is priceless. I am so grateful and proud that we are able to host such a wonderful, inclusive event and thankful to all of the staff and students for their enthusiastic participation,” said Foran Principal Max Berkowitz.

In addition to dancing the afternoon away with a professional DJ, students were welcomed at a variety of activity stations along the perimeter of the venue, including a photo booth, cotton candy, snow cones and a complimentary pizza station.
And, as the party-goers departed, each one was given a gift card to use at a variety of local establishments.

Foran faculty member and Unified Sports advisor Rick Raucci said he was grateful the event could take place once again after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-advisors Erin Williams and Jeff Raucci, also both faculty members at Foran, said they were excited to see the event take off without a hitch.
“We were so excited to bring back Unified Prom this year for our Special Olympics Unified Sports athletes and partners. The event is a true testament to our ‘Small City With a Big Heart’ in that so many area businesses not only donated supplies for the event but some even came to help out. A great time was had by our athletes and partners and they walked away with some wonderful memories,” Raucci said.

The event was made possible due to the donations of nearly 20 vendors and contributors from across the region.