Spring Fling Helps Students Build Confidence, Overcome Barriers
One by one students in their fancy dresses and bow ties entered the Ozark Innovation Center on April 19, greeted with cheers, high fives and fist bumps as they walked the gold carpet. Organized by the Ozark High School special education department, it’s a night students look forward to each year. It’s the Spring Fling.
“The Spring Fling is an exciting dinner and dance event specially crafted to provide students with an opportunity to practice and enhance their social language and social communication skills in a fun and supportive environment,” said Adeana Brewer, OHS speech-language pathologist. “It offers a fun and safe setting where students can mingle, engage in conversations and build confidence in their social interactions.”
Brewer started the event in the spring of 2022 after realizing how many students don’t get to experience the fun and excitement of attending a typical homecoming or prom.
“I wanted to create a more intimate atmosphere and a supportive and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable and could be themselves.”
- Adeana Brewer, OHS speech-language pathologist
“The reasons varied, but the feedback I received was that those events and the planning required to attend were intimidating and overwhelming,” she said. “I wanted to create a more intimate atmosphere and a supportive and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable and could be themselves.”
The evening starts with students getting ready for the event, either at school or at home, doing hair, make-up, learning how to tie a tie, and more. Students then arrive at the OIC where they are greeted by other OHS students attending as peer models. They all then enjoy dinner, prepared by OHS Chef Laurant Watts and his culinary classes.
“The buffet set-up encourages students to mingle and interact while enjoying a meal together. After dinner, the dance floor opens up, inviting students to let loose and showcase their dance moves,” Brewer said. “Dancing provides an opportunity for students to practice nonverbal communication and express themselves through movement.”
Throughout the evening, peer models assist the students in dinner conversation and dancing. And although they may not realize it, the peer models are gaining valuable lessons throughout the evening, as well.
“Peer models learn to value and celebrate differences, and this event provides an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and growth of others,” Brewer said. “My hope is that volunteering for this event provides peer models a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and it equips them with valuable skills and perspectives that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives.”
About 40 special education students participated in the event, along with more than 50 adult and student volunteers.
“There are so many students, staff, clubs, activities, organizations, local businesses and community members who come together for one goal — to make an unforgettable night for kids,” said Theresa Walls, a paraprofessional who helps organize the event. “Without all the support, this event would not be possible.”
Walls said it’s always fun to watch the students on the dance floor, living life to the fullest.
“The phrase I caught myself saying all night was, ‘these kids are out there living their absolute best life right now.’ The room was filled with lots of energy, lots of joy and just a passion for life,” Walls said. “It was really special to watch.”
Brewer said she enjoys seeing students’ confidence and social skills transform throughout the evening.
“As the event progresses, you can observe students stepping out of their comfort zones, trying new things and forming connections with their peers. There’s a sense of joy and camaraderie in the air as students support and encourage each other, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere,” Brewer said. “Seeing students overcome barriers, express themselves freely and build meaningful relationships fills me with a sense of pride and optimism. It’s a reminder of the power of social interaction and the importance of creating opportunities for all students to thrive and connect to others.”
Thank you to the following people, groups and organizations who helped make the Spring Fling possible:
- Mercy Nutrition Services - Food donation
- Nile Forsyth - Local DJ
- Hopedale Baptist Church Women’s Group
- Ozark Winter Guard
- YEPO
- National Honor Society
- Key Club
- Yearbook
- OJH Baking Students
- OHS Culinary Students
- OHS faculty and staff
- OHS special education department
Photos courtesy of OHS Yearbook Staff