6/6/13
EDUCATION: Poly Bear Pals participated in the fourth annual Special Prom.
By Kate Weggeland, Staff Writer
Poly High School’s special needs program, Bear Pals, attended its fourth annual Prom this year. The theme of the prom was a hoedown and it took place in Ramona’s gymnasium on May 18 from 5-9 PM.
Last year’s special needs prom was held at Poly high school. The theme was “Midnight Masquerade.” The location of the prom varies each year. Riverside high schools with special needs programs take turns hosting the event for the special needs students.
Students from all five of Riverside Unified School District’s (RUSD) comprehensive high schools as well as Project T.E.A.M. attended the event. Students with and without special needs were involved in the preparation for the hoedown as well as involvement at the prom, too.
North’s Best Buddies, King’s P.A.W.S.S., Ramona’s Lunch Buddies, Arlington’s PALS and Poly’s Bear Pals were all present at the hoedown. Senator Bill Emmerson, a Redlands resident, attended the “A Very Special Night 4 (AVSN4)” Riverside Hoedown. Senator Emmerson, “who proudly serves the 23 district of California, is a consistent supporter of persons with intellectual and physical disabilities, and is one who understands the need to develop awareness of abilities in all people” RamPage, Ramona High School’s newspaper, reported.