Friday, March 13, 2026, was one of the school year’s most anticipated nights. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Mission Church hosted A Night to Remember — a free prom for young adults with disabilities. With a chance to feel both celebrated and seen, guests were presented with volunteers from all around Ventura who worked hard to make their night a magical one.
“On the day of A Night to Remember, all the guests were getting prepared with professional makeup artists … once we arrived at our destination, there was a red carpet, something like in Hollywood, and you’re just walking as people are cheering you on, which is nice. They also have an option for guests who are sensitive to sound; they cheer quietly,” volunteer Raghav Samuel Rogesh Raja ‘27 said.
Samuel Rogesh Raja explained how the guests were brought to the fairgrounds in limousines, and both the guests and volunteers were served with top-tier meals.
“It was chill, it felt like it was really good for the community in general, [and] there was a lot of collaboration just to make it happen. There’s over 15 hundred volunteers, so it’s a big thing,” an anonymous volunteer said.
Several of the volunteers revealed their motives for helping out at the event, stating that they really enjoyed giving students who aren’t always presented with an opportunity, a chance to experience a normal high school prom.
“Part of it was because I kind of realized that, first of all, you only get to do prom twice [under] normal circumstances. Sometimes people don’t get to experience it because they don’t have a partner, or they’re too nervous, but this opportunity gives them a chance to have fun and experience something that a lot of high schoolers experience. So it was a nice opportunity and I wanted to be part of that experience.” Samuel Rogesh Raja said.
A night of sparkle, flair, dancing and lively music, A Night to Remember never fails to bring some light into the high school experiences of many. Since its first appearance in 2012, the event has been bringing smiles to faces for many years.
“I really like just being on the dance floor with my guest, I think it’s really fun to connect, and I really enjoy it,” volunteer Avril Acosta ‘27 said.
