Kind hearted business owners from across South Yorkshire have come together to give 80 students with special educational needs a unique night to remember as they prepare for life beyond college.
For many, the end of term prom is a rite of passage, and when staff asked students at Rotherham Opportunities College how they would like to celebrate the end of term, the response was emphatic.
During the past few months, staff at the college have worked tirelessly to ensure that every student had the chance to take part in the special celebration event, but recognising that the prospect of sourcing the perfect prom dress, let alone stepping into an unfamiliar ball room surrounded by people, could be a daunting and overwhelming experience, the college turned to South Yorkshire’s business community for help to source the all-important ball gowns and suits for their students.
After making an initial appeal, a number of local businesses came forward to pledge their help. Goldthorpe-based The Sewing Roomprovided 48 ball gowns, with a team of seamstresses working night and day to ensure that every student’s dress was tailored to meet their needs. Suits were provided by disability charity Scope. Dresses worn during the special night were also donated by APromise by Claire, House of Roseand Prom Queens.
On the day of the event, an army of beauticians descended on the college; Whiston-based India Rose HairandBeautyheaded to the college to give students a full salon experience.
Tankersley Manor Hotel was chosen as the glittering backdrop for the Rotherham Opportunities College prom, and with guest of honour the Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Sheila Cowan in attendance, along with members of staff, governors, and friends of the college, the stage was set for a prom night like no other.
Rotherham Opportunities College is an independent, specialist college that helps young adults with learning difficulties to build rich and fulfilling lives in adulthood. The college provides tailored education programmes, which take a holistic approach towards understanding the individual needs of each student, helping them to develop the vital skills needed to live independently and secure employment.
Cllr Sheila Cowan, Mayor of Rotherham, said:
“End of year proms aren’t just a way of looking back and celebrating the achievements of each student; they mark the beginning of a brand new chapter, and that’s an experience that every young adult should be able to enjoy.
It was wonderful to meet some of the students at Rotherham Opportunities College and to find out more about some of the incredible work the college is doing in helping to prepare young adults to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives during adulthood. It was clear from the event that staff at the college had gone well above and beyond the call of duty, and I applaud those businesses that contributed towards giving the students such a magical and memorable experience.”
Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal, Rotherham Opportunities College, said:
“For several months, hardly a day has gone by when I haven’t overheard a conversation amongst students about the prom. There’s been a lot of excitement in the run up to the event,
and the support we have received from the local business community to make the event a success has been truly overwhelming.
Many of the businesses that have supported this year’s event are small, independent companies, and it’s their generosity, alongside the hard work and dedication of our staff members, in all cases going above and beyond the call of duty, that ensured the event was a memorable one for our students.
Experiencing new environments, especially busy social occasions, can be incredibly challenging for young adults living with autism, but I felt immensely proud of everyone who took part in the event; it was truly heart-warming to see our students enjoy the experience. From the excitement and anticipation of getting ready at college, to dancing the night away, the smiles in the room said it all!”