May 16, 2016
USC students celebrate at S.T.A.R.S. Prom

Upper St. Clair High School life skills students and their regular education partner friends recently donned their formal wear for the annual S.T.A.R.S. Prom.
S.T.A.R.S. – Schools Together with Athletes Reaching Success – is comprised of more than 20 area schools that provide meaningful activities for students with and without physical and intellectual disabilities to collaborate, create and participate in activities that enrich the school curriculum. Through a collaborative, peer-driven leadership structure, individuals come together to enrich the lives of all students in the collective high school communities.
The S.T.A.R.S. Prom was held April 27 at the Omni William Penn and included prom photos, boutonnieres and corsages, entertainment, dancing and lots of smiles.
“What a fantastic morning! The anticipation was electric!” Michelle Zirngibl, special education department chair and SHOP@USC coordinator, said. “I'm not sure who was more excited – the girls or the boys.”There are now more than 20 school districts throughout southwestern Pennsylvania involved in the S.T.A.R.S. program. Efforts are spearheaded through a collaborative group of special education teachers, physical education teachers, and transition coordinators from the various school districts.