Special Ed Prom Sponsored by Loma Linda U. Medical Center PossAbilities

Loma Linda University Medical Center PossAbilities helped more than 40 special education students at Citrus Valley High School in Redlands celebrate a milestone in their life at a prom last week, a spokesman said Friday.

The event was held Friday May 18 and it was the school's first Special Ed Prom, organized by a school club called Acknowledging Individuals with Developmental Diabilities, Herbert Atienza of Loma Linda University said in a statement.

"The formation of this club has allowed me to give back to my community and peers," club president Christian Amos said. "Not only has this club paved the way for me to help others, but it has also helped me as well."

Students and their guests at the prom enjoyed a nicely-decorated hall, ate a delicious Italian dinner, and dancing in the High School Bistro, Atienza said.

PossAbilities program officials hope to continue supporting school clubs that create awareness about disabilities by joining together regular students and students with special needs, said Cotie Williams, program coordinator of Loma Linda University Medical Center PossAbilities.

"We currently have Colton and Redlands high school clubs, so expanding awareness of disabilities in another local high school though our club is very exciting," Williams said.

Loma Linda University Medical Center PossAbilities is a non-profit outreach program of Loma Linda University Medical Center's East Campus, Atienza said. The program seeks to meet physical, social and emotional needs of people who are physically challenged, Atienza said.

Next year, the Acknowledging Individuals with Developmental Diabilities club will change its name to Citrus Valley Club PossAbilities, Atienza said.