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BREADCRUMB

Beyond the Dance Floor: A look inside MCS first inclusive student formal

Beyond the Dance Floor: A look inside MCS first inclusive student formal

Marietta, Ga. — Ninety-eight students from Marietta Middle School and Marietta High School gathered Friday night at The Foxglove in downtown Marietta for the inaugural Friendship Formal, dedicated to students with exceptional needs. Arriving in elegant dresses and sharp suits, 40 students embraced an evening designed especially for them—a night to set aside daily challenges and celebrate being at the center of their own stories.
 
Organized by the Marietta City Schools Department of Student Services, the event featured thoughtful details, including a sensory room, a donated photo booth from Ultrasonic Entertainment, and corsages and boutonnières provided by Faith Designs Florist Vickie Brown. Once the music started, the students wasted no time filling the dance floor. Fifty-eight student volunteers from the Marietta High School Best Buddies club, a friendship group, the Key Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Marietta chapters partnered with attendees throughout the evening, ensuring no one was left without a supportive friend.
 
"For several years, we have envisioned hosting a dance to celebrate our students and elevate inclusion," said Lisa Leiter, MCS Transition Coordinator. "As our Best Buddies chapter grows, so does its influence in cultivating meaningful relationships within our school. These connections enrich our community today and will be instrumental in shaping a more inclusive society as our students graduate and venture into the world beyond high school." 
 
Strong community partners also contributed to the event's success. Kiwanis Club of Marietta was a key sponsor, while Superior Plumbing, JRM Management, and The Foxglove provided additional financial and in-kind support, ensuring every detail was thoughtfully arranged.
 
“The spirit of collaboration was evident in every aspect of the evening, transforming The Foxglove into a vibrant, safe space of celebration,” said Kim Blass, Chief Impact Officer. “This collective commitment to supporting our students created an unforgettable night for our kids.”
 
As the final song played, the night’s energy lingered beyond the dance floor.  

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