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Shelby County Schools hosted its annual Special Needs Prom with an Arabian Nights theme at The Sterling Castle in Shelby on Thursday, Feb. 20. (Contributed)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

SHELBY – Glow sticks waved back and forth as students hit the dance floor during an unforgettable night of fun during Shelby County Schools’ 2025 Special Needs Prom.

Shelby County Schools hosted its annual Special Needs Prom with an Arabian Nights theme at The Sterling Castle in Shelby on Thursday, Feb. 20.

“Our special needs department always does such a fantastic job putting on that event,” said Cindy Warner, public relations and community education supervisor for Shelby County Schools. “It is by far one of my favorite days of the year.”

During the event, Chris “DJ Fuzzy” Peters provided the perfect soundtrack as special needs students from across Shelby County Schools hit the dance floor and showed their best moves while wearing bright smiles.

“These kids are out there dancing the entire time,” Warner said. “I don’t know how to describe it other than just loud, energetic and joyful.”

Students at the event were accompanied by paraprofessionals and Shelby County School personnel like Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks as well as student peer helpers.

“It’s really hard to have a bad day when you’re out there with those kids and just seeing how much fun they’re having,” Warner said. “Our peer helper students that come and assist their special needs peers, they also, I believe, have such an incredible time. I jokingly say it’s hard for me to tell who’s having the best time.”

At this year’s festivities, William Burge of Chelsea High School was named Prom King and Demearia Carson of Shelby County High School was crowned as Prom Queen.

Each year, the Special Needs Prom features a different theme and with this year’s motif focused around Arabian Nights, the ball room was filled with purple hues and gold décor. When students weren’t dancing, they also had an opportunity to get a bite to eat from the event’s food sponsor, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. All of the festivities were tied together thanks to the events chosen locale, The Sterling Castle in Shelby which was made possible thanks to its owners’ cooperation with SCS.

“Another key thing about all this is just the incredible support that we have from Victor and Misty Binkerd who own The Sterling Castle and graciously let us use their venue space for many years now,” Warner said.

Warner said the school system puts the Special Needs Prom together each year to ensure that their students have an inclusive experience.

“It’s just a joyous event,” Warner said.

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