Tuesday, June 24, 2025
78 ° Clear
78 ° Clear
June 10, 2025 - Doylestown: Dozens of students enjoyed a magical trip into a “Tropical Twilight” on May 2 during the Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s (Bucks IU) Sixth Annual Prom. Held at the agency’s administrative offices in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the event welcomed about seventy students from Bucks IU programs across the county. The prom attendees came together for an evening of fun and friendship specifically designed for them. “For our students with special needs, this prom is so much more than just a fun night out; it’s a powerful experience of belonging and celebration,” said Sara Walsh, a Bucks IU
Program Coordinator and member of the prom’s organizing team. “It’s a chance for these students to express
themselves, build social connections, and create memories that last a lifetime.”
Upon arrival at the prom, students were greeted by cheering volunteer staff. Many were dressed in formal attire, some donning brightly colored floral leis, and posed for pictures in front of a tropical backdrop with their parents or caregivers before heading to the celebration. Rohini Pragada, mother of Bucks IU STEP student Aniketh Pragada, noted, “He’s been really excited” about the prom. Dressed in a dark suit jacket, white shirt, and tan pants, Aniketh enthusiastically sported a lei and dove right into the celebration. “It’s almost scary for me,” said Ravi Pragada, Aniketh’s father, after taking a few photos with his wife and their son. “I have never sent Aniketh to prom before, but I see that he is confident that he’ll have a good time,” Ravi said as he watched his son make a beeline for the party on the agency’s second floor.
Upstairs, volunteer staff helped guide students to an expansive dining area, a sensory activity room, and the main ballroom, where dancing and fun were in full swing. Bright, tropical-themed decorations adorned the event spaces, including balloons, flowers, inflatable palm trees, and ceiling-to-floor landscapes tailored for photos with friends. “The best part was seeing all these students from different programs countywide come together, feel comfortable enough to just jump into socializing with one another, and have a ton of fun,” said Dave Fox, a Program Specialist for Bucks IU’s Adult Transition Services, who served as the prom’s disc jockey. “My planned playlist got pushed aside due to the song requests from student after student. What they asked for was perfect, including line dances and other popular tunes that really got everyone dancing.” “It’s really good,” said Carmine Galante, a student in the Bucks IU’s Perkasie Square WOW/Project Life program, as he alternated between dancing and sipping a soft drink. “You get to meet so many people.”
John D’Angelo, President of the Bucks IU Board of School Directors and a Bristol Borough school board member, joined several Bucks IU administrators in taking in the moment. “This is one of the greatest joys of my life,” D’Angelo said as he watched students immerse themselves in the celebration. Dr. Mark Hoffman, Bucks IU Executive Director, shared that sentiment. “Seeing our students dance, laugh, and have fun while
our staff cheer them on means everything to me,” he said. In addition to Sara Walsh, other members of
the Bucks IU Prom organizing team included Hillary FitzMaurice, Supervisor of Special Education for School-Age Students; Lorie McCrory, Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services; Program Coordinators Joanna Davis, Rebecca Lawson, and Dawn Yeselavage; Social Worker Anita Harris; and Denise Murray, Transition and Adult Billing Specialist. Students expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts. “It’s so nice,” said Maraya Leonhauser, a student in the Bucks IU’s Decisions Program. “They put so much time into it, so all the Bucks
IU schools could come together and have fun.”
The prom team was supported by more than eighty-five Bucks IU staff volunteers from across the county and every department. These individuals generously donated their time and expertise to help stage and support this memorable prom event. Julianne Bresnan, a Bucks IU Advanced Registered Behavior Technician, began volunteering at the prom last year and quickly signed up to help again. “I’m so grateful to be part of it, and
In the sensory activity room, Colin Woods, a Bucks IU Transition and Adult Services Program Specialist, and Bucks IU School Psychologist Amy Thomas serenaded students with calm, acoustic tunes in a quieter, yet still festive, environment. Students were still able to socialize and enjoy a special time. Other Bucks IU volunteers staffed food, snack, and drink stations that were tropically decorated and arranged for easy access. A variety of treats were donated by local Doylestown businesses, including Jules Thin Crust, Maryanne’s Pastry Shoppe, Primo Hoagies, and Locatelli’s Pizza. Pinnacle Vending Company supplied chips and water. Gift cards were
donated by Sam’s Club, BJ’s in Fairless Hills, Costco in Warminster, Nat’s Pizza in Doylestown, Simply Fresh in Langhorne, Giant Market in Warrington, and Roman Delight in Doylestown. Organizers and administrators expressed deep gratitude for these local partnerships and the generosity of the Bucks County community. “The collaborative effort embodies the Bucks IU’s mission,” said George Baldwin, father of student Noel Baldwin. “We love the Bucks IU. They are very good to us.”
“The prom is a highlight of the year for so many of our students, and it takes a village to make it shine,” Walsh said. “It’s a beautiful reflection of what happens when people unite around inclusion and celebration."
