“Night of Stars” 2011 Prom

The 2011 Randolph May Center prom, a “Night of Stars,” was definitely a night to remember for participating students and their families.

“It was a real ‘prom experience,’” said Norah, mother of 20-year-old Tom. “It’s something that typical kids do. I never thought Tom would be able to go to a prom.“

“I especially liked the red carpet that led up to the spot where they did the ‘photo shoot’ of me and Matthew,” remembers Matthew’s mother Jackie. “He looked adorable. I loved seeing him dressed up. He and I danced several dances, which was a lovely experience for me.”

Center staff members worked very hard to make the prom a special event for the students and their families. They transformed the gym into a dance hall, hanging colorful decorations, and setting up tables of tempting food and drinks.

“This event is so special for our family,” says Kerry, whose 16-year-old daughter Hannah has attended several May Center proms. “Hannah loves to get dressed up because she knows she looks pretty…and she loves to dance. This was a chance for her to shine. The high point of the evening was seeing how happy she was.”

Another highlight of the evening was a special song played for parents and students that evoked both smiles and tears. (“My Wish*,” by Rascal Flats)

“When you have a child, you have certain dreams, like dancing with him at his wedding reception,” says Norah. “Then you find out he has a disability, and you put those dreams aside. I never thought I’d have a chance to dance a special dance with Tom.”

*My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this is my wish.