Students with disabilities welcomed at Nazareth Academy prom

Nazareth students Sophia Anderson and Sofia Marquez greet Dillon at the start of the prom. Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park hosted its seventh Prom Night for Teens with Disabilities on March 8, 2025. The Campus Ministry Department extended invitations to past participants as well as local organizations who work with teens who have developmental disabilities. Each guest was accompanied for the evening by a Nazareth student, who acted as a “buddy.” The idea to host a prom began in 2011, inspired by the relationship and coordinated efforts of ASPIRE of Illinois and the Nazareth Friends in Service and Hospitality Service Team. Between planners, buddies and event staff, over 100 Nazareth students, faculty, staff and community members typically volunteer for the semi-annual Prom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Maggie Rausch takes pictures of Olivia and her buddy from Nazareth Alani Schwertfeger. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nazareth parent Gina Pekofske presents Illiana with a corsage as Illiana enters the prom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nazareth students Claire Taylor, Peyton Smolarczyk, Cait McCall and Anna Bukovac watch as Stanley makes a delicate move in a game of Jenga during the prom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Cheered on by his Nazareth buddy Luke Neri, Jack shows his moves as students fill the dance floor. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Robert dances during the prom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Halina heads to the front of the stage to receive her crown as her name is called as the 2025 prom queen. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Halina and Alec pose for pictures as the 2025 king and queen of the prom. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)