HIGH POINT, N.C., – High Point University students and community members with disabilities created arts and crafts and danced the night away at the annual ASPIRE Christmas Dance on Dec. 5.

The student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at HPU co-hosted the special dance with the High Point Parks and Recreation’s ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation) unit at the Nathanael S. Morehead Recreation Center in High Point.

The well-loved tradition between HPU’s CEC and the community invites people to get into the holiday spirit, build friendships and enjoy a night of fun. Activities included dancing, making crafts, eating pizza, taking photos and enjoying a visit from Santa Claus.

“Special Pops dances bring the community of High Point together through laughter, dancing and arts and crafts,” said CEC Co-President Sarah Geller, a junior special education major and theater minor from Weston, Florida. “These dances allow students the opportunity to volunteer and work on something bigger than themselves. The winter dance features what it truly means to be in the holiday spirit – family, friends and fun times.”

The annual event is a way for HPU students to connect with, develop friendships and support individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities in the High Point community. The CEC consists of majors from across campus with a common interest in promoting awareness and providing support for individuals with disabilities. The student organization has co-hosted these community events over the last 17 years.

“It is very important for us to partner with HPU on these holiday dances because we are one community and it pulls in the inclusion piece for our participants,” said Stephanie Hedgecock, ASPIRE program coordinator.

The CEC will provide similar activities as it co-hosts another event for Valentine’s Day.

Julia Ravega, a freshman psychology major from Los Angeles, California, said she chooses to give her time to these dances because she thinks everyone deserves to feel special and have an opportunity to create the best memories.

“These wonderful people come and have so much fun. It is often contagious,” said Ravega. “I love seeing how happy they are when they get to dance the night away or when the craft goes especially well. It is always an honor to help the community in any way possible, and I look forward to helping in many more dances to come.”