‘They were so excited’: Gateway students host prom for classmates

The group of Gateway High School students who stepped outside on a chilly but sunny Wednesday afternoon had the surprise of their lives.

In front of the school’s main entrance were two bus-sized limousines, ready to transport them for an excursion around the greater Gateway campus.

“The limo ride was a complete surprise to them,” special education teacher Regan Reeder said. “We actually stopped at the elementary and the middle schools. They got out and got to see some of their previous teachers, and they were so excited. And people from Monroeville Library came out and held up signs and waved at them.”

Students at the high school who have special needs were guests at a prom organized by classmates in Gateway’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, part of a nationwide educational initiative by the restaurant chain.

With family members invited to share the experience, the event also featured a promenade in the school auditorium, with guests walking across the stage to show off their formal wear.

The activity served as the academy students’ Spring Impact Project.

“The point of the project was kind of a culmination of everything they’ve learned this year,” Reeder said, including experience in impact through action, humility, service, generosity and leading by example.

As a Do-Good December project, the students helped brighten the holidays for Gateway bus drivers and other staff members. Shortly afterward, they came up with the idea of hosting the prom.

“We spent time preparing them and teaching them about interacting with individuals with disabilities, making sure we always put the people first. And we hope that’s a lifelong lesson for them, far beyond today,” Reeder said. “We talked to them about making sure that today was focused on making our guests feel loved and cared for and valued as a part of our school community.”

She joins faculty members Marci Klinger and Dawn Nicolazzo in serving as advisers for the leader academy, in which 30 students participate.

Among them is senior Will Roper, who said he has found the experience to be enlightening.

“Our goal was not only to make an impact on the community, but also for the students within the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy to have an impact, themselves,” he said. “That’s really resonated with me and inspired me to want to continue helping others, not only for their sake but also for mine.”

Brian Wenger, manager and owner of Chick-fil-A in Monroeville, joined the prom proceedings on April 27, as did his marketing director, Isabella Russo.

“Today, I started crying, seeing these kids. They were just so happy,” Russo, a Plum High School graduate, said. “I feel like everyone has been so cooped up with the pandemic, so it’s nice to get out into the community and get people excited and happy to live again.”

A major part of her job is community outreach.

“That’s one of Chick-fil-A’s core values, doing something for schools and nonprofit organizations,” she said.

“We’re way more than just chicken sandwiches, and that’ why I love my job so much. I’m so appreciative.”

Sam Sherpa, another senior leader academy student, said he appreciated helping to organize the prom as a way for classmates who otherwise may not have the opportunity to enjoy themselves.

“This situation is perfect,” he said,” because families and the students can interact with each other while having a good time.”

For more information about the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, visit www. ChickFilALeaderAcademy.com.