Tallwood students host unique prom

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - During the high school prom season, most students are busy worrying about their friends, their dates and their dresses, but students at Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach are focused on giving back.

It's an unofficial prom night at Tallwood, and it comes along with both pomp and circumstance.

"All the lights are going to be off," said one student. "It's like a prom so you want nice lights."

Everything has to be perfect, because everyone knows prom is a night where memories are made.

"A big part of high school is our prom and we were thinking not everybody gets to experience this," said Tallwood sophomore Alexa Smithwrick. "They're having fun already and they're not even in there."

Final touches need to be made, but this dance is not for Tallwood's students. This dance is being put on for disabled adults in the area.

"They don't have the opportunities to do things like normal adults," said volunteer Stefanie Mancuso. "They don't go out and get dressed up, so it gives them an opportunity do that."

A red carpet walk was followed by pictures. After that everybody cut loose on the dance floor.

"It is very exciting to see them all dressed up and look nice," Mancuso added. "I know they are going to have a good time."

The event was put by teens with the NOBLE organization. More than 200 disabled adults from around Hampton Roads danced the night away.

"It makes me feel great," said a Tallwood sophomore. "It makes me feel like I made a difference."

And for the guests, it was a night to remember.

"Until it's time to go home, that's the only time I cool it down, but until then it's party time," said Larry Bain.