Dancing, food, and fun, the heart of every prom, came together in a truly special way on April 4 for students from across West Tennessee at the inaugural You & Me Jubilee.
Designed especially for students with unique needs, the sensory-friendly prom offered an afternoon of dancing, laughter, and connection. But even more, the event offered a powerful message: students thrive when we create spaces for them to be seen and celebrated.
Organizers behind the event had a clear picture in mind: take all of the fun, exciting pieces of prom and re-imagine it in a sensory-friendly way that students could experience alongside their peers.
“Our goal was for the students to feel celebrated from the moment they stepped off of the bus,” shared Sunni Cooksey, a lead organizer for the event. “Members of the community cheered for them as they entered, creating a similar experience to traditional ‘prom walks’ where they got to feel celebrated and seen.”
Once inside, students enjoyed decorations reflecting their theme of choice: total 90s nostalgia. Balloon arches and bright, bold table centerpieces filled the room with energy, setting the tone for an upbeat, happy afternoon. After enjoying a catered lunch, students hit the dance floor, quickly filling the room with laughter, friendship, and fun. The space vibrated with joy as students met new friends, cheered on each other’s dance moves, and posed for pictures.
“It means so much for students to have experiences like this to celebrate milestones and create lasting memories,” added Cooksey. “Events like this create opportunities where they’re not just welcomed, they’re celebrated.”
Organizers originally set a fundraising goal of $3,000, but the outpouring of community support far exceeded expectations, raising $9,667 through sponsorships from businesses and organizations across every corner of Weakley County. Because of its fundraising success, the You & Me Jubilee is funded for years to come.
And while the Jubilee was a joyful day of music, friendship, and fun, its purpose reached deeper.
"Events like the You & Me Jubilee are not just about one day," said Principal Brian Allen. “They are about showing the larger community what these students can do when given the opportunity, whether that’s attending a prom or working a job."
Throughout the school year, students in the program work on building essential skills like communication, etiquette, public safety, and navigating unfamiliar surroundings, all skills that events like the Jubilee give them a chance to practice in a real-world setting.
"We’re so proud of the work being done to create inclusive experiences across our schools," added Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster. "The You & Me Jubilee is a beautiful example of how we can empower every student to grow, succeed, and shine."
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples echoed that pride.
" We believe every student has incredible abilities, potential, and a story worth celebrating," said Cupples. " It’s events like the You & Me Jubilee that allow us to shine a light on those gifts. Moments like this matter, not just for today, but for building confidence and opening doors for tomorrow."
Plans are already underway for next year’s You & Me Jubilee, with hopes of including even more schools and students, continuing to open doors for a community where everyone is welcome, valued, and celebrated.