FROM STAFF REPORTS

SHELBY COUNTY – The Sterling Castle in Shelby was recently transformed into a winter wonderland, much to the delight of more than 100 students with special needs and their peer helpers who attended the second annual Multi-Needs Prom. Snow-covered trees with twinkling lights and homemade crystal snowflakes adorned the dance floor of the Sterling Castle, which was donated for a second year by owners Victor and Misty Binkerd as the site of the very special event. Students from Oak Mountain, Pelham, Chelsea, Vincent, Calera and Shelby County high schools attended.

Valinda Pate, Shelby County Schools Adaptive Physical Education teacher, said the prom was successful again this year thanks to a tremendous amount of community support. Local business and individuals helped to donate dresses and suits, corsages and boutonniäres, decorations and food items for a spaghetti lunch. Barbers and hair salons also donated services to make sure the students were looking their best. Chelsea Lane donated prizes for the students who participated in the freestyle dance contest.

Bill Roberson, a junior at Shelby County High School, and Courtney Walker, a junior at Vincent High School, were named prom king and queen by their fellow students. Students voted for the king and queen by placing a marble in a cup with a picture of each student nominated. The prom king and queen each received a crown, a sash and a traditional Hawaiian flower lei.