Hunter High sophomore Daniela Pacheco was excited to be on the dance floor.

“I take a dance class so it’s going to be fun dancing here with my friends,” she said.

She, along with a busload of her classmates, arrived at Kearns High School just ahead of the Feb. 13 snowstorm for the Granite School District’s unified Sweethearts dance. Buses from across the District, as well as from Murray High, brought students—both with and without disabilities—together for the special event.

Dressed in suits, ties and elegant dresses, the students entered the gymnasium, which had been transformed with red, white, and pink balloons, bows, crepe paper and other festive decorations, all put together by Kearns High student government members hours earlier that day.

“My favorite part is preparing everything and seeing the excitement on their faces as they arrive,” said Kearns sophomore vice president Deven Glade. “We want everyone to feel included at school dances. This one is for unified students, their peer tutors and student governments. It’s going to be fun, just less crowded, but the same music.”

Students danced to the music of Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Chappell Roan and others played by DJ Russ Powell from Squawkbox Sound, who donated his time. In between songs some students posed at a photo shoot, donated by Bell Photography, or had snacks provided by the Granite Education Foundation.

Kearns High special education teacher Natalie Nelson highlighted the significance of the event.

“It’s a big deal for our students to connect with their peers outside the classroom,” she said. “This dance also offers a chance for special ed students to interact with their peers, the peer tutors and student leaders from other schools.”

Emily Williams, Kearns’ unified coach and student body advisor, said the idea grew out of Kearns hosting their first unified prom last May.

“I talked with unified coaches from other schools who held their own dances, so we thought it would be a fun idea for everyone to have a dance together,” she said. “Unified sports have opened the doors for inclusion, allowing kids from all walks of life to be part of the community. Now, all our students can have fun at a dance together.”

Hunter High special education teacher John Young said the event was a wonderful opportunity for his students.

“This dance brings together unified programs from across our district and from Murray High,” he said. “It’s a chance for students to connect with their peers, the same ones they play sports with, and now they get to interact in a social setting. It’s a great way for them to get to know each other better.”

Cottonwood High senior Alizia Sherard was doing just that.

“I love dancing,” she said. “My grandma got me this dress, and it’s just beautiful. I’m having so much fun, dancing and meeting new friends.”

Murray High senior Eleanor Myers, president of her school’s chapter of Best Buddies, an organization promoting friendship and leadership for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said inclusive events are important.

“I love the inclusion unified sports gives us and this is an extension of it by getting everyone together and being accepting of one another,” she said.

Hunter High peer tutor and senior Jada Tingley appreciates the sense of community.

“It’s such a friendly environment,” she said. “You always get a smile and a positive response, no matter who you talk to.”

Granite District Superintendent Ben Horsley smiled as he saw the students dancing together.

“These activities exemplify why public education is important,” he said. “This doesn’t happen anywhere, but in public education, where we have a chance for our special education students to interact in enjoyable social activities and educational experiences with their traditional educational counterparts. So, whether it’s the unified theater program, the unified sports program or the unified dance, it’s as important of an experience for our special education students as it is for our traditional students. We’d love to see these types of things continue to expand. Our traditional ed kids learn valuable skills beyond the educational realm when they have opportunity to interact and support our special education
students.” λ