Amid a rush of loud music and flashing disco lights students danced Saturday, June 8, at the Best Buddies prom.

“Everybody is dancing without inhibition,” said parent Laura Nowacki. “It’ a special night.”

The Newtown High School Chapter of Best Buddies — a program fostering one-on-one friendships between high school students and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities — held its second Best Buddies Prom at Newtown High School. The gala may have been better than last year’s said Special Education Advisor Jill Gonski.

Looking at the room full of students dancing and mingling, she said, “They’re having a great time.” Later singing along to a favorite song was Matt Knapp. He and Lauren Sarna momentarily shared the stage. Friends Megan Milano, Abby Callery, and Kylie Gallagher watched dancers from their table, while Kayla Kordish and Jackie Sgobbo enjoyed the DJ’s music.

Owen Gray briefly stole the spotlight with his energetic dancing.

Pausing to link arms and smile for a photo were friends Matt Argraves, Shaina Stamp, Meghan Logan, Paige Fedorcheck, Paige Krona, and Mimi Riccio.