A year ago, Nazareth Academy hosted an inaugural “Prom Night for Teens With Disabilities.” Nicholas Cozzi, the leader of Nazareth’s Friends In Service and Hospitality (F.I.S.H.) at the time, came up with the idea for the event, believing that all teenagers deserve the opportunity to experience the joy of high school prom. Teenagers with disabilities were able to have the special night that they deserved on St. Patrick’s Day, 2012. Student Gabriella Eraci recalls that she, “volunteered for FISH Prom last year not knowing what to expect, but it was such an amazing experience that [she] had to help out again this year.”
The Second Annual F.I.S.H. Prom took place on March 9th, 2013. With about 50 guests in attendance- 10 more guests than last year- the event proved to be an even greater success. The Prom was organized by F.I.S.H. leaders, Matthew Serafin and Jocelyn Rios, who spent the entire year preparing for the night. Many other students, such as members of F.I.S.H., Student Council and volunteers, helped coordinate the prom as well. Overall, over 80 gracious Nazareth students filled the Dining Hall and Springer Hall, working to make the night memorable for the guests.
Nazareth was prepared for the event. For instance, the school was decorated with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. In fact, as the guests arrived, they walked down a long, green carpet. Additionally, although each guest at the Prom was welcome to bring their own date, if they did not, Nazareth volunteers were assigned to be dates. The Nazareth student dates were called “buddies,” and they helped the guests make crafts, take pictures and, of course, they danced with their guest. The buddies made sure that their guest received a full Prom experience: an experience that they will never forget.
Nevertheless, it was not just a night that the guests will remember; it was a night memorable for Nazareth students as well. As they laughed and danced, the students learned from the experience. Francesca Citro, for instance, learned to always be herself. She stated, “The kids there weren’t afraid to show who they truly are. I think that’s awesome and if they can do it, so can I and everyone else.” Other students, such as Deanna Crouchelli, had such a great time with the disable teenagers that it opened their eyes to a potential interest in a career of special education. Therefore, as the F.I.S.H. Prom allowed Nazareth student to develop an understanding of mental health conditions, the students also learned about themselves.
Altogether, the prom was a magical night for everyone in attendance. The St. Patrick’s Day theme proved a perfect fit, because the night in March was full of excitement and spirit. Furthermore, the F.I.S.H. event allowed students to fulfill one of the four pillars of Nazareth: service. Consequently, after two successful years, it is believed that the F.I.S.H. “Prom Night For Teens With Disabilities” will be an extraordinary addition to the many Nazareth traditions.
