Every year, the Heart of Frenship Prom celebrates and honors the life skills, special education, and academic adjustment students at Frenship High School. Students were given the chance to experience a prom that celebrates the individuality of all students while promoting inclusion and awareness in an environment that is familiar and comfortable for them.
When Kayci Smith, the Frenship High School Special Education Chair, started this event years ago, she utilized old pep rally decorations, brought her personal mini-Bluetooth speaker, and had a few snacks for the students.
Today you can hear the joyous noise echoing down the halls. With the support of administration, faculty, family, and community the Heart of Frenship Prom has become one of the biggest annual events at FHS.
“It truly is an event that leaves you feeling so proud and so happy to be a part of our school and around so many wonderful humans,” said Smith
To raise money for the Prom, the high school staff held a jeans day, and Smith put together an Amazon wish list to help with decorations, hair accessories, neckties, serving utensils, and more. Several staff members and Frenship alumni generously donated to the wish list, making this year's prom one to remember.
Every year the Frenship Middle School National Junior Honor Society provides the beverages for the Prom. And this year a Frenship alumni stepped up and ordered River Smiths catering for all of the attendees. US Foods donated several items, and alumni and owner of the Cakery, Tasha Teel sent plenty of cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.
No Prom would be complete without music and this year a local DJ volunteered his time to bring these Frenship students a prom they would never forget. Smith stated this was the first time she used a DJ and that he elevated the energy in the room. The students danced their hearts out with glow sticks and turned the PE gym into a memorable dance party.
“It was amazing,” said Smith. “The energy and fun that was being had will be a core memory for so many of us.”
Each year at the Heart of Frenship Prom, several FHS students volunteer their time to decorate the gym, serve tasty food, and host their friends at the event. The students look forward to this event all year long as they come together to dance and sing along with the music.
Smith stated her favorite part of the event is when the general education students line the "runway" and all of the prom attendees strut down the red carpet to the sound of cheers.
“It's like a paparazzi line and everyone loves it,” said Smith. “The smiles, and the hugs. Gosh. Seeing the joy in everyone's faces and the inclusivity of the entire event. Everyone at the prom is having the best time and no one is sitting or dancing alone.”
Smith stated this event would not be what it is today without the contributions and support of the Frenship staff, students, and community.
“This community loves hard and gives so much to our amazing programs,” said Smith. “The love and support we feel is just unmatched and I mean it with all my heart when I say- there is no other place than FISD. It's a great day to be a Tiger.”
Photos by Camden Reese