School: Campbell High School (Atlanta, Georgia)
Sponsor: Stephen Miltiades, South Cobb Drive FSU Chick-fil-A
Project overview: An inclusive prom event for high school students with all abilities.
Impact Prom: A Celebration of Inclusion
More Than Just a Dance
The core idea behind Campbell High School’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ Impact Prom is to foster inclusion. The dance was designed to create a special night for students with disabilities to interact and celebrate with their non-disabled peers. All students in attendance shared the dance floor, recognizing that while some may be “differently-abled,” they are all part of the same school community. The event also allowed families of special needs students to witness their children having fun and realizing how much all students have in common.
The prom was a full-scale production, featuring professional decor, printed signs, and a vibrant atmosphere. This year’s event was particularly impressive, thanks to a collaboration with a teacher who runs a decorating business and generously donated her time and props.
Overcoming Hurdles and Raising the Bar
The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy students, in partnership with Campbell’s Best Buddies program, took on all aspects of planning and fundraising. Despite a variety of hurdles, the fundraising efforts were phenomenal. Using an online platform and seeking grants from community foundations, the team managed to raise an astonishing $12,000 for the event! This far surpassed previous years’ budgets of around $2,000 and allowed them to host the prom at a much larger, more accommodating venue this year. They even raised $6,000 in the first 48 hours, demonstrating the community’s overwhelming support for their cause.
The Power of Connection
The impact of the prom is deeply felt by all involved. Students in attendance described the feeling of seeing families leave with smiles, knowing that the event provided a unique opportunity for differently-abled kids to have fun. The shared experience of the Impact Prom created lasting connections, with students forming new friendships and developing “cool handshakes” when they pass in the halls. These small but meaningful interactions that wouldn’t have happened without attending the dance.
Organizing the Impact Prom fostered personal growth, greater empathy, and teamwork among the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy students at Campbell. In total, over 100 people attended the dance, including over 40 with special needs and their families, along with the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy students. The Impact Prom is a powerful testament to inclusion, creating a lasting, positive impact on the entire community.