TWO GREAT PARTNERS Peddicord Rice LePage Real Estate & Auction LTD is partnering with Auction Ohio to help sellers sell their real estate and personal property on a national auction platform while maintaining a local trusted connection.
28 • The Beacon May 29, 2025
Coshocton County BDD hosts May 16 Mad Hatter prom
By Cole Fisher The Beacon
“ We’ re all mad here,” said the Cheshire Cat from the classic children’ s novel“ Alice in Wonderland.” But not those who attended this year’ s prom organized by the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
This annual event took place May 16 at the Coshocton Community Room. Anyone in high school or an adult enrolled in the program could enjoy an evening of dancing, singing, eating and spending time with friends.
Each year features a different theme, and this year’ s was the“ Mad Hatter Prom.” Many attendees dressed as beloved characters from the book( later adapted into a film) including the Queen of Hearts, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the
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Cole Fisher
The Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities held its annual prom on May 16 at the Coshocton Community Room.
Mad Hatter and, of course, Alice herself.
To enhance their costumes, guests could accessorize with additions like party glasses and glow foam sticks, provided at the event.
Before stepping inside, guests were greeted by a floral arch and a black-andwhite checkered runway, setting the scene for the night ahead. The entrance alone made it feel like guests were walking into a scene from a storybook.
The decorations continued inside. Round tables were topped with oversized playing cards, teacups overflowing with flowers and little keys symbolizing the one Alice used to open the tiny door into the garden. This presentation followed the theme, making guests
feel like they were falling down the rabbit hole.
Kelly Schumaker, one of the attendees, was thrilled when“ Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift came on as it’ s one of her alltime favorite songs.
Guests gave positive feedback about the refreshments, which included fruit, crackers, a veggie platter, cupcakes and fruit punch.
“ This is an awesome prom,” said Michael Ferrebee, who was especially excited about the colorful cupcakes and the chance to dance.
DJ Bob kept the energy high with a playlist that got lots of people moving. Flashing LED lights added to the occasion as friends danced together under a sea of strobe lights.
A photo booth in the corner, staffed by a couple of photographers, gave everyone the chance to capture memories of one another, as well as those who wanted group pictures taken. In addition, several themed backdrops around the room invited guests to
Cole Fisher
The theme for the prom this year was“ Mad Hatter.”
snap their own photos with props that could be used, like mustaches on sticks and handheld signs.
“ My favorite part about tonight is being with people I don’ t get to see often. It’ s really exciting,” attendee Kyle Sianjina said.“ The DJ even played a song I requested.”
When asked about the goal of hosting the event, Toby Collins, director of recreation and Special Olympics coordinator for the BDD, said,“ Our
individuals inspire us when we see their reactions to the whole thing. We want them to feel proud, to express themselves and to feel comfortable in their own way.”
On what motivates her to keep organizing the prom each year for individuals with disabilities, Collins said,“ When they’ re told they can’ t do things, we should ask instead:‘ Why can’ t they? Why not?’ If you think they can’ t, let’ s work on it so they can.”
Lady Generals earn district titles
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Submitted Ridgewood High School’ s varsity girls track team won the district championship. |
Submitted Ridgewood High School’ s varsity softball team won the district championship with a 5-2, 11-inning victory over Crooksville. |
TWO GREAT PARTNERS Peddicord Rice LePage Real Estate & Auction LTD is partnering with Auction Ohio to help sellers sell their real estate and personal property on a national auction platform while maintaining a local trusted connection.
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