Facebook and Instagram are buzzing with snapshots of last night’s Ridgefield High School prom - parents proudly posting photos of their high school seniors, dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos.
For parents of children who have mental or physical challenges, prom is not a guaranteed rite of passage.
Ridgefielder Christine Santori pulled at the heartstrings of her Facebook friends when she posted pre-prom photos of her handsome son and his date. Yes, it’s possible to achieve dreams and milestones despite significant obstacles. Sean Santori is a shining example of what we can all accomplish with determination and fervor.
“My boy made it, with his first date ever, to his senior prom! This is a sentence I was not sure I would ever make & I'm not gonna lie, it feels fantastic,” Christine wrote on Facebook.
A team of people made last night possible for Sean and his date, including three dedicated teachers who were chaperones, his mom, Christine and her fiancé, David.
Christine says, “The night was a complete success that went off without a hitch. I am grateful to the many people who helped make it possible and to the village that has supported Sean throughout his high school years and will continue to do so through the 18 to 21-year-old program at RHS."
Christine explains, “The prom is a great example of the many moving parts that you have to consider when you have special needs. For example, can his tuxedo be specially made so that it has Velcro closures? Can his boutonniere be made so that it can have a magnetic closure rather than any pins? Can we possibly find any shoes out there that have a quadruple wide width to replace his orthopedic sneakers for this special day? Is the dinner a buffet and if so, how will he carry his food to the table? And what equipment should we bring for dancing, his walker, his wheelchair or his canes?”
Reflecting on Sean's past four years in high school makes Christine evermore grateful for events like prom. “Four years ago when Sean was in 8th grade we had a Making Action Plans Meeting (MAPS) where we got to share our hopes and dreams for our son with a planning team at Ridgefield High School,” says Christine Santori. She adds, “There were so many fears and uncertainties: Would he be included at the high school? Would he be bullied? Would he achieve a reading comprehension level that would allow him to pursue a post-secondary education? Would he ever have a date? Will he ever be able to play any sports?”
Prom isn’t the only reason to for Sean to celebrate. He has consistently earned honor roll at Ridgefield High School. He has achieved his dream of playing golf with the help of an adaptive golf device. And, along the way, Sean has earned the respect and admiration of his friends, teachers and classmates.
This is a love story that will continue beyond high school for Sean. “My head is still filled with questions about his future, but at least I know I am not alone in trying to set Sean up for success,” says Christine.
*Images courtesy of Christine Santori