The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Riverside to host Valentine’s Day dance
Annual tradition is open to all Lake County special needs students
Riverside School District will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this Feb. 14 with a dance and celebration catered specifically for students with developmental disabilities.
Event organizers will turn the Riverside High School’s gymnasium into a dance floor, one catered to and respectful of those afflicted with autism and other special education students.
The event has become a
February tradition for the school for over 10 years, but it is not limited to just Riverside students. The dance is open to all special needs students throughout Lake County. Last year, organizers invited students from Broadmoor, Chardon, Harvey, LaMuth Middle School, Mentor, Mentor Cares, North, Perry, Project Search, and South.
Riverside multiple disabilities intervention specialist Emily Santo estimates that they greet approximately 250 students and staff each year. She expects similar numbers for 2020.
Santo, along with Elizabeth Sebbio and Korene Engelking, are coordinate the event. This year’s dance will have a live DJ and photo booth, courtesy of Innovative Blends Entertainment. Santo said in an email that all food and beverages will be donated from local businesses.
Riverside’s own developmentally disabled students have been helping to prepare with tasks including rolling silverware, prepping name tags, organizing bags for each of the schools, and making decorations. “Student volunteers work the event by setting up tables and chairs, passing out pizzas, greeting/ dancing with the guests, and tearing down the dance once it’s over,” Santo added. “This is a great opportunity for students to spend time with their friends from other schools, and a great way for professionals to network and collaborate for future events.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. until noon and is free to attend for any Lake County special education student.