There may have been some special accommodations for the 20 or so students who attended Friendship School’s ‘80s-themed prom June 9, but that didn’t mean the dancefloor was any less active or joyous.

The Imperial Beach school serves students from the southern portions of the county with multiple and severe disabilities along with health problems.

“We try to bring what you would see on any other campus,” Principal Diana Lynn said. "We want them to have all of the same opportunities as their peers.”

The high school students at the prom were all smiles and clearly understood that it was a special event as they moved to the sounds of Michael Jackson, Culture Club, and Tone Loc, among other ‘80s dancefloor favorites.

“Here they can be a teenager and just have fun,” Lynn said.

This was the third year for the celebration, which was started by an employee who died in 2013. The other employees have kept it going, partly as a tribute to her.

Friendship School​ is operated by the San Diego County Office of Education in affiliation with the school districts in the South County Special Education Local Plan Area. It serves students who range in age from 3 to 22.