The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Orangefield TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators) and MiM (Meet in the Middle) organizations sponsored the 3rd Annual Life Skills Prom on Friday, May 1. While the prom was held at Orangefield High School, approximately 65 special needs students with their MiM partner and sponsors from Orangefield, Bridge City, Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Vidor and Evadale were in attendance.

After arriving at OHS, the kids were whisked away for a special start to the day. Students from Bridge City Cosmetology spent the morning pampering each child with a hair, nail, and make-up session. Following a photo shoot, the kids were treated to “Hollywood.” The red carpet was rolled out, the lights were flashing, and the kids danced the afternoon away. TAFE member Kristen Blanke sums up the afternoon best, “planning and decorating is always fun, but my favorite thing has to be dancing with all of the life skills kids. Nobody is judgmental or scared to dance, so everyone has fun!”

After attending a state TAFE convention a few years ago, the students were introduced to the idea of this special day. The tireless efforts of Mrs. Wanda McLane, life skills teacher and MiM sponsor, help make this day possible. She was instrumental in obtaining a grant from Special Olympics to help cover the cost of prom. We would also like to thank our local businesses for their donations and everyone who helped make this day so special.

Orangefield Life Skills students shown are Joshua Ferguson, Jacob Paul, Sarah Perry, Stephanie Johnson, Emily Netterville and Lyndi Franklin.