Nazareth Academy Students Host Prom Night for Teens With Disabilities

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park will host its third Prom Night for Teens with Disabilities on March 7, 2015, 7 – 9 p.m. in the school’s Springer Hall and Dining Hall. The event is complimentary and couples are welcome; however, dates are not required. Each guest will be accompanied for the evening by a Nazareth student, who will act as a “buddy.”

The idea to host a prom began in 2011, inspired by the relationship and coordinated efforts of ASPIRE of Illinois and the Nazareth Friends in Service and Hospitality (FISH) Service Team. “We have witnessed the goodness of this night and are looking forward to another inspirational Prom, including flowers, photographs and refreshments. Even more importantly, our Nazareth students are anticipating a special night for everyone involved,” said Rosemary Caragher, head of Nazareth’s Campus Ministry program.

The Steering Committee for FISH Prom, including seniors Amy Burke (Western Springs), Maggie Harrington (Clarendon Hills), Megan Heurich (Chicago) and Rebecca Letcher (Brookfield), along with the support of the Nazareth Student Council, has been planning this event all year. In all, between planners, escorts and the students who run the event, over 80 Nazareth students will participate in the 2015 Prom.

Members of the Steering Committee have all been involved with FISH Service Team and most attended a previous FISH Prom. “When I first chose FISH as my freshman-sophomore service project, I didn’t realize what I was getting into. Working at the Prom as a sophomore, I saw first-hand what a big deal this was for our guests,” said Maggie Harrington. “The guest who was my buddy for the evening ended up being named Prom Queen. Because she has such an amazing night, so did I.”

Becca Letcher agrees, “Being involved with FISH is a humbling experience. When I started, I thought I was bringing something to the ASPIE residents. But the Prom really shed light into someone else’s world. Ultimately, it’s been an opportunity for me to learn and to grow.”

Capitalizing on the St. Patrick’s Day theme, guests will enter Springer Hall down a “green” carpet. Guests can then dance the night away to our DJ’s tunes, snack on a wide array of refreshments, or play games with Naz students. As with any Prom, the attendees may dress for the occasion with prom dresses and tuxes; however, ties and more informal dresses are also acceptable.

“Our goal is to really just create the kind of prom experience any teenager would want, the kind of event we take for granted,” says Becca. This includes an awesome DJ, senior Noah Young of Berwyn, photos, games, treats and prom favors. While the party and dancing go on, parents of the guests are treated to refreshments and fellowship in the school library, where the dance is streamed live for their enjoyment.

Anthony Gonzalez, a Nazareth Social Studies teacher who has been involved with all three FISH Proms, finds the experience invaluable. “That night, when young adults walk up the green carpet dressed up like stars and dance the night away, their smiles and laughter fill my heart with happiness. Their excitement at experiencing what every teen should, reminds me of why I am in education and why I love being involved at Nazareth. No one does it better.”

Due to the many details that go in to making this the perfect night for each guest, confirmed reservations are required. To receive details and get your name on the Prom list, please RSVP to fishdance@nazarethacademy.com or visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/nazarethfishprom/ where we have online registration and event updates. For further questions or to get involved with this effort, please call Mrs. Caragher at 708.387.8520.

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