Although many differences mark their lives, the special prom celebrated friendships and broken barriers. The prom was the brainchild of Jami Lee, a student of Steven Koehler's at Warrenton High School. At Koehler's Social Skills class, 14 select general education students learn to lead, learn and work alongside a dozen special education students. "Most of the special ed kids don't get to go to prom because it is so far away, or they need someone with them," said Lee. "It's important to include everybody. They are some of the most wonderful people you'll ever meet." Special education teacher Matt Jeans said Lee met a challenge he and Koehler call "leaving a legacy" when she came up with the idea to offer special needs kids their own prom. A legacy is an idea great enough to be repeated and remembered. Lee did just that, Jeans explained. "She planned something outside of the box that others can use," he said. Koehler said all the details were planned by the general education students, right down to the crowns, sashes, awards, music, glitter and theme, "A Night to Remember." "They are star students," said Koehler of his Social Skills students. "They are trained to lead, communicate and have relationships with the special ed kids. They are peer helpers. This prom is the application of their knowledge. They are putting their leadership skills into practice." Koehler said in the past special education students felt left out or ignored. What his Social Skills students have done in three years of the program is break almost all barriers down district-wide. In those three years, eight of his students have made decisions to continue to work in the special education field. In addition to special events such as the prom, Koehler said students from each class are paired up throughout the year. Lee said sometimes her classmates meet their partner at the sheltered workshop to work side by side. Some just play tennis or hang out. Beverley Weyerich was on hand to see her son, Dustin, crowned prom king, along with general education student Sina Maas as prom queen. "All the kids have gone out of their way to include him," Weyerich said. "He has always been friendly and outgoing. This prom is a great thing for him." Koehler said the spirit of friendship has spilled into the whole school, thanks to the example set by his students. No longer are the groups segregated by their circumstances, but united by friendship and understanding. "The general ed kids grow as well," he said. "They have reached out and made friends. Now everyone is part of the group."