On May 28, 2025 (Wednesday), James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School’s Special Education Department hosted a Prom for Intensive Support Programs (ISP) students from community high schools. This new initiative, inspired and led by Melissa Altomare, provided students in the Intensive Support Program with an opportunity to participate in a high school right-of-passage, in a manner that kept their needs and interests at the forefront of planning and development. The Core Team responsible for the planning, preparation and execution of JCM’s ME/DD Prom includes Melissa Altomare, Teresa Del Duca, Oriana Cianfrani, Laura Soria, Marisol Soria, Miss. B., and Rita Delle Donne. Their hard work and dedication to this initiative resulted in an exciting prom experience for all in attendance.
Students who attended the ME/DD Prom experienced the same novelties as a traditional high school prom: formal attire, themed décor, photo-ops, a delicious lunch and a variety of snacks, a day spent with friends and familiar peers, and the latest music for all to enjoy. However, to cater more specifically to ME/DD students, this prom also offered a separate quiet room for students with various sensory needs to go to when they needed a break, as well as fewer flashing lights and a slightly brighter atmosphere to aid in the safe mobility of all students. This prom was held during the school day, which allowed for sufficient supervision and avoided any interruption to their evening routine. Graduating students were also honoured as 2025’s Prom Kings and Queens, as a tribute to their years in the Intensive Support Program. All in all, the event proved to be a great success, promoting inclusivity, diversity, tons of fun, and a strong sense of community.
A big thank you goes out to the Core Team members (mentioned above), staff volunteers (Jessica Marquis, Marie Montesano, Maria Crimi, Sonia D’Egidio, Rina Tavolieri, and Rosalba Sorrentino), snack distributers (Fred Andrejin and Anna Waller), and JCM’s student volunteers. Lastly, a huge thank you to JCM’s administration – Antonio Bisceglia, Tanya Dunn, and Mena Silva – for supporting this initiative and encouraging the first - of many! – ME/DD Prom’s to be hosted at JCM. Thanks again to each school who attended, and to the students who brought all the energy to this amazing day! This day was all about you, and you made it MAGICAL!
