COHASSET — For many high schoolers, prom is an exciting event, but for some, it can be sensory overload.
Kayla Jenkins, a Grand Rapids High School student council member, said she was inspired to create Prom with a Purpose at the Jostens Renaissance conference this past fall, which focused on ways to create healthy and inclusive school cultures.
The new event last Friday, April 19, was open to students in Itasca County and beyond.
When Kayla approached the student council advisor, Jinnea Zenzen, about the idea for a prom for neurodiverse students, she was all for it. Jackie Skelly, executive director of Itasca Area Schools Collaborative, and Anna Lloyd, director of Special Services at ISD 318, got on board to make it happen.
Eventually, over 40 student council members from Grand Rapids, Greenway, and Deer River High Schools came together to pick a theme, find a location and plan food and activities.
The daytime prom was intended to accommodate everybody’s schedules, and students offered hair styling and manicures to kick everything off. During the prom, students could play games or dance, but there was also a quiet room for those who needed a break. More than 40 students came to the prom.
“When we had the RSVPs coming in, parents did make special requests specifically for their students, and I can say the student council accommodated every request,” Anna said.
Donations are being accepted for next year’s Prom with a Purpose. Contact Jackie Skelly for more information: 218-327-5711 or at jskelly@isd6070.org.
Tell us about upcoming events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
