gmhTODAY Winter 2022 | Page 42

Shining Star Prom :

A Night of Shining Stars

by Madeline Martin / Photos by Tony Scotino and Linda Estil
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Nothing shone brighter in Gilroy on Saturday , September 11 2021 than the faces of the students and families who attended the Shining Star Prom “ Back to School Sock Hop ” at the Gilroy Lodge on the Hill .

This prom , the fourth of its kind , was put on by a local group of volunteers led by Linda Estill , a longtime Gilroy resident and former party planner . The event is designed for high school students in South Santa Clara and San Benito Counties with developmental or intellectual disabilities .

For four hours , 22 students and their 45 family members attended the 1950s-themed “ Bobby Socks and Blue Jeans ” event and had a blast . Guests first strolled past several pristine classic cars provided by Gilroy ’ s Los Padrinos Car Club , which complemented the Sock Hop theme perfectly . Ralph Duarte , the head of the club , attended the event with his daughter Cheyene and family .
As students arrived , Estill said , “ The kids were chomping at the bit for this . They were missing it so much and needed something fun to look forward to .”
Guests entered the building through a gauntlet of enthusiastic Christopher High School ( CHS ) cheerleaders and festive 1950s decor . Jazelle Magane , an 11th-grade cheerleader , stated she was “ excited to be here and that this [ event ] is for them .” A group of CHS cheerleaders volunteers every year .
Once inside , “ Pink Ladies ” checked guests in and gave them a corsage or boutonniere . The 1950s tunes and themed decor set the mood . Scenes of musical performances from the era also streamed on a large-screen television just behind the dance floor .
On the outdoor patio students enjoyed bubble machines , giant bubble wands , and colorful hula hoops . First-time-volunteer Rhonda Callen , who helped outside , said she was inspired to show up after viewing videos of past proms . “ The joy I saw made me want to be a part of it ,” Callen said
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