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Last week, one of the most impactful events of the year took place in LaGrange. The Special Night for Special Grangers included both LaGrange High and Callaway High students, bringing two separate parts of the county together for a night to celebrate exceptional education students who don’t usually get any time in the limelight.

LaGrange High School’s Mitzi Norton started this event four years ago and is happy to see it return.

“The pandemic has brought about so much pain and loss for so many,” she said. “I believe our community, as a whole, is seeking joy like never before.”

Norton made the point that Special Night is inclusion at its best.

“It takes effort, action, and awareness to build inclusion within the school, employment opportunities, and post-secondary opportunities presented within our community as a whole,” Norton said. “Inclusion benefits individuals with and without disabilities.”

The game always starts with all of the players running through the tunnel. Some of the students played in the game while others participated as cheerleaders. One was a drummer.

Thanks to Norton and so many others — including volunteers (and student volunteers) from both schools — this was an incredibly special night for these students. We applaud all involved.