When students arrive at Lehi High School for this year’s Specialty Prom, their night will be just a little brighter.
Normally, members of the Alpine School District facilities team are in schools painting, repairing things, or building new classrooms, but this year, they spent a little extra time to build lighted PROM letters. This project aimed to provide a professional and memorable atmosphere for students from across the district who will attend the prom.
Handcrafted Highlights
The team, made up of painters, carpenters, and electricians, dedicated their time to ensure the decorations met high standards for the student celebration. Carpenters designed the pieces to be both durable and visually striking for the enchanted forest theme.
“This wasn't just another job for us,” said Lee Clark, a carpenter from the facilities department. “We wanted to make sure these students felt like they were getting the best experience possible, just like any other high school dance.”
The letters are made of wood, about five and a half feet tall, with reflective paints and color-changing LED lights.
A Collaborative Celebration
Building the letters was a team effort among the tradesmen.
“I always enjoy getting to work with the other trades here in our physical facilities and to do something fun for the kids that will be able to use it for a long time,” said Bryce Pedersen, one of the tradesmen.
Their teamwork represents the collaboration required to put on a successful Specialty Prom.
The event brings together about 200 students from ATEC, ATEC-West, Dan Peterson School, and Horizon. These schools serve students with special needs ranging from preschool through post-high school transitions.
“It's rewarding to see our team's skills being used to bring a little extra light to such a special event," said Jeremy Parker, who works with the facilities team.
The specialty prom responsibility rotates annually among the participating schools to involve various student groups in the planning. This year's forest theme will be an enchanted, welcoming environment where every student can participate in traditional high school milestones.
A Night to Shine
Specialty Prom serves as a key opportunity for students to practice social skills and celebrate their achievements with peers. The dance is a way to help every student feel they belong in the school community.
“The Special Schools Prom is more than just a dance; it’s a night where every student, regardless of their challenges, gets to step into the spotlight and feel truly celebrated,” said Ryan Hemming, principal of Dan Peterson School. “Seeing our community come together to create this inclusive environment reminds us why we do this work.”
“Our facilities team went above and beyond,” said Stacy Bateman, Alpine School District board member. “These letters are beautiful, and they add such a professional touch to the night.”
“I hope it will brighten the experience of the dance and the moods of all the students to make great memories,” said Pedersen.