Fifth Annual Circle of Friends Mardi Gras Dance

South Fayette High School's Circle of Friends recently held its fifth Annual Mardi Gras dance for teens and young adults with special needs. The dance was held in the high school commons, which was decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple. green and gold.

More than 150 students attended from 32 school districts in Allegheny, Washington and Beaver Counties.

The dance included a DJ, beads and food. Everyone in attendance received a special prize. There was also a raffle of a Penguins gift basket and a James Farrior autographed football.

The Circle of Friends Club, under the sponsorship of paraeducator Helen Cardillo, has been at South Fayette High School since 1994. It offers friendship and support to students with disabilities and is comprised of students from the mainstream and students with special needs who choose to join. As a club, they meet several times after school to play board games and socialize. They volunteer every fall at the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.

The club is currently conducting the district's annual Penny Challenge which money will be donated to Special Olympics, TopSoccer, the Down Syndrome Center of Children's Hospital, and other programs for special needs kids.