Prom proves wonderland for adults with special needs
This year's 'night with the stars' prom had an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 10:40 p.m. April 21, 2017
East County
Neighbors
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Sarasota’s Mike and Shelley Bragg loved bringing their 17-year-old son, Joshua, to his first prom. It proved to be their first prom, too.
“Neither of us ever went,” Mike Bragg said smiling, while watching Joshua dance nearby April 21, at the Night with the Stars Prom, hosted at Woodland Community Church.
The annual prom is free to individuals 16 years old and up with special needs.
Upon entering prom, a volunteer adorns them either with a crown or corsage and another helper escorts them down a red carpet as a line of volunteers cheers them onto the dance floor.
More than 550 guests, and their caretakers, turned out for the “Alice in Wonderland” themed event, at which they enjoyed dinner, photos, dancing and socializing.
Colleen Powers, of Sarasota, brings her daughter, Eileen Bond, and husband, Mike Powers.
Shelley and Mike Bragg brought their son, Joshua, 17, to his first prom.
Lori Wolfe is escorted by Jamison Hernad
Joshua Bragg dances with his mom, Shelley Bragg.
Lakewood Ranch' s Molly Mendoza escorts Peter Messano down the red carpet.
Adeline Morena grabs a selfie photo with her daughters Rosa Moreno and Jasmine Hindmas, and friend April Beckham.
Mario Guerrero and Shevin Brown attend for the second year in a row.
Mikayla Jodoin joins Lakewood Ranch High' s Lauren Maginness and Wade Duffey as a character in "Alice in Wonderland."
Manny Galan gets crowned by Lakewood Ranch' s Tracey Punzone.
"I like the whole thing," said Mackenzie Holland, of prom, pictured with Mike Niesen.
Taylor Stamey and Chad Jones enjoy the evening together.
Braden River High' s Zoie Wedekind dances with Harry Yawn.
The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Mairead Studdiford dances with attendee Ellen Howell.
Mercedes Matthews steals Izzy Quiming away from his break dancing to dance as a couple.
John Crowell and Karen Saywell have been together 15 years.
Sarah Marken dances with her mom, Sammy Marken.
Bradenton' s Amanda Walsh attends with GreyHawk Landing' s Matthew Brooks.
Jennifer Maurer receives her corsage from Jessica Tolson.
Denise Barbato poses for a picture with her brother, Jorge Barbato.
Cheryl Beckman enjoys dinner with her daughter, April Beckman.
