Partner’s Club Prom Unites Students in Inclusive Celebration

The Partner’s Club began with the goal of bringing students of all ages and abilities together. Now, its annual prom helps everyone feel seen, included and appreciated. Here, they share their story with Woman’s World.

The Houston County, Georgia, high school cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, but one table stood out. Laughter spilled from a group of varsity football and softball players and other students.

“The cool table,” many students called it, but everyone knew its true name: the Partner’s Club!

Every school from kindergarten to 12th grade in Houston County hosts a Partner’s Club — a program where special needs students can find friends, support and belonging. But they’re not alone. Each club also includes Partner Buddies, non-special needs students who volunteer their time to build friendships.

A place for everyone

Alli Williams, who oversees the Partner’s Club, along with Ashley Lowell and other special-ed teachers, encourages school athletes, AP students and other kids to join in.

“You are role models for all students,” she tells them. “Why not use your influence to do good?”

Alli’s own relationship with Partner’s Club goes way back to when she was in elementary school and volunteered to be a partner.

I want to help these kids forever, she remembers thinking, and her volunteer work was the catalyst for her becoming a special-ed teacher.

In addition to weekly lunchtime meetups, Alli hosts special gatherings where students work together on homework, play board games and hang out. They also hold Butterfly Project special needs performing arts events, and three times a year, the athletes cheer for their buddies at the Special Olympics.

But the most anticipated event of every year arrives in the spring, when the five county high schools gather to enjoy the Partner’s Prom — an alternative celebration for students who might not otherwise get to attend or fully enjoy a traditional senior prom.

The most memorable evening

Planning begins in January, when a prom theme is selected. This past April, the theme was “Wicked.” Special-ed teachers spend several months crafting decorations with elaborate backdrops and sparkling table displays. DJs audition and menus are planned with a donation from the local Civitan Club.

Partner’s Club member Jaden Screen, who has cerebral palsy and cochlear implants, was one of the first to arrive with his date, Jayce Grimes.

“We’ve known each other forever, and I really wanted her to be there for my senior year,” he says through a translator.

Jayce didn’t hesitate.

“Yes!” she signed, using the sign language she’s learning just for him.

“We had the best time,” says Jaden. “I loved dancing with Jayce and going out for food after with friends who know I’m more than my disability.”

It’s a sentiment shared by more than 100 Partner’s Club members, including Branden Montford, who has Down syndrome. His brother, Xavier, is co-captain of the football team.

“I joined because of my brother, but I love helping all the members,” says Xavier.

Partner’s Club leaders agree that the program helps all the students involved, and the prom is a wonderful way to celebrate those connections.

“We want all our students to feel included and appreciated for who they are inside,” says Dana Wiggins, Houston County assistant superintendent of student services.

And on that magical night, they truly did.

Copyright 2026 A360 Media

This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM.