On Saturday, April 23, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Department of Exceptional Students hosted the 2023 Special Needs Formal for their students. More than 30 students enjoyed a wonderful event and received VIP treatment at the Griffin Historic City Hall.
The community rallied behind the effort and helped the school system create a wonderful experience at no cost to the students or their families. The students began their evening with a limo ride from GSCS Central Office to Historic City Hall courtesy of Conner Westbury Funeral Home which included police escorts thanks to the Griffin Police Department.
Once the students arrived, they walked the red carpet provided by Shade Tree Event Rentals. Historic City Hall was beautifully decorated to fit a Hawaiian Luau theme thanks in large part to Home Depot of Griffin who allowed the GSCS Department of Exceptional Students to borrow palms, ferns and flowers. Students enjoyed a reception with food provided by Chick-fil-A of Griffin and Kizzy’s Kakes. The young ladies wore pearls given as a gift from Franklin and Rosemary Boutique. After the reception, students danced the night away to music provided by DJ Sam Jones, Sergeant with the Griffin Police Department. City Church provided free ice cream as a treat to end the event on a high note.
GSCS Cluster Lead Teacher for Compliance Joel Pasch led the planning effort of this event with the GSCS Department of Exceptional Students team and other GSCS staff members. A number of high school students from both Griffin and Spalding High and community volunteers served as volunteers to staff the event.
Joel Pasch said, “We were all so happy to provide a memorable experience for our students. It was an overwhelmingly positive night for students, families and GSCS staff. With the help of our partners in the community, our staff and volunteers, we were able to provide a safe, fun and impactful event that met all of our objectives. The Department of Exceptional Students is grateful to everyone that contributed.”
GSCS Director of Exceptional Students Charles Kelley said, “The 2023 Special Needs Luau Dance was an absolute blast! The venue was transformed into a tropical paradise, complete with vibrant decorations, tiki torches, and Luau-themed props. The food was delicious, and everyone appreciated the accommodations made to ensure that all guests felt comfortable and supported throughout the event. It was truly heartwarming to see the joy and sense of community that filled the room. The department received an amazing amount of support from the district and community through volunteers and donations. The 2023 Special Needs Formal was an incredible celebration of diversity, friendship, and inclusion, and a testament to the power of coming together to celebrate our differences. I want to express my most sincere gratitude for everyone’s hard work and dedication in providing red-carpet treatment to make our 2023 Special Needs Formal a success.”
Sponsors that made this event possible include: Chick-Fil-A Griffin; City Church; Conner Westbury Funeral Home; Griffin First Assembly; Griffin High School BETA Club; Griffin Police Department; Historic City Hall; Home Depot Griffin; Franklin & Rosemary Boutique; Keller Williams Real Estate - Julie Cordova; Kizzy's Kakes; Shade Tree Event Rentals; Spalding High School FBLA; Squeaky Clean and Wild Feather Events.