Valentine’s Day is typically seen as a day for couples. Those who aren’t in a relationship can feel very left out. Teens and young adults who have certain kinds of special needs may feel that this holiday isn’t for them to celebrate. However, this year several people made Valentine’s Day a little bit sweeter for everyone. Here is a quick round-up of happy Valentine’s Day occurrences.
Northridge High School, in Layton, Utah, was having a Sweetheart’s Ball. Typically, this is the type of social event where it is required that you attend with a date. Two teens girls decided to ask two teen boys (who had special needs) to be their dates for the Sweetheart Ball. The boys, of course, were thrilled!
Jordan Dyett, the girl who got the idea, had this to say:
Well, Devin came to me last week in class and told me he was upset cause no one had asked him to sweethearts yet. And, I wanted to go to sweethearts I just didn’t know who to ask. So I thought, ‘Why don’t I ask Devin, and then my best friend Ashley can ask his best friend Conner?
The teens went bowling, and then went to dinner, before attending the Sweetheart’s Dance. Everyone had a good time. Ashley Brusett had this to say:
They’re so fun. Like there’s nothing they ever worry about. They’re always laughing and having a good time, and you don’t have to worry about any of the same old high school drama. It’s just fun.
A mother in Portland, Oregon, wanted her daughter’s first Valentine’s Day as a married woman to be memorable. Nick and Lindsey Stewart are newlyweds who both have special needs. They love getting mail, so Linda Atwell, Lindsey’s mother, asked strangers across the internet to send the couple Valentine’s Day cards and well wishes. As of February 13, 2013, she said that the response from complete strangers has been “wonderful”.
In Valdosta, Georgia, teenagers at Valdosta High School threw a Sweetheart Social for the students who attended the high school and who had special needs. It was held by the students who were in the International Baccalaureate program.
The Preforming Arts Center was decorated for Valentine’s Day, and the event included food, games, and dancing. It was a very successful event, with a lot of attendance. It is hoped that the event can be held again next Valentine’s Day.
Students at the Phoenix Center for children with autism and other disabilities, in Nutley, New Jersey, created handmade Valentine’s Day cards for the children who attend Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newton, Connecticut. Part of the curriculum includes “acts of kindness”. Valentine’s Day marks the 2-month anniversary of the Newtown tragedy.
Image by Dan Moyle on Flickr