Thomas Lynn | The Valdosta Daily TimesCalvin Donaldson and Jessica Turner were declared prom king and queen at the 10th annual prom for individuals with disabilities Friday night at Mathis Auditorium.

VALDOSTA — It was night full of bell-bottom jeans and butterfly collars at the 10th annual disabilities prom.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority hosted its annual prom for individuals with disabilities with a disco-themed dance party Friday at Mathis Auditorium.

The theme was “Friday Night Fever,” and the more than 175 attendants came decked out in their best ’70s attire.

Tammy Crosby, therapeutics coordinator, said the dance is one of the department’s most anticipated events.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for a decade,” Crosby said. “We’re honored to keep providing this program and excited to see all the opportunities that have grown for individuals with disabilities since we created our prom 10 years ago.”

VLPRA’s Therapeutics division started the event in 2008. At the time, it was the first of its kind in Valdosta.

Andrew Noyes, 30, has attended every prom and arrived at this year’s event sporting a large afro, aviator sunglasses and a pencil thin mustache. He attended with his mom Lisa.

“Oh, I thinks it’s groovy,” Lisa said about the event. “Every year, these are always amazing. This is the highlight of their year. When these kids were young, they might not have had the opportunity to attend prom, but now they can every year. They’re the lucky ones.”

The dance featured everything a high school prom would have with a DJ playing classic ’70s tunes, light refreshments, a photo booth and the crowning of prom king and queen.

Prom king was Calvin Donaldson and queen was Jessica Turner.

It was open to any individual with a disability, regardless of age.  

The prom is held every year with tickets being sold at www.vlpra.com for $8, at VLPRA’s main office on Forrest Street and at the event itself.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256