ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Seven special needs students at Robertsdale High School will take center stage during Friday night’s Homecoming festivities at J.D. Sellars Stadium.

The Students Inspiring Students club at Robertsdale High School was created by students as a way to support fellow students who have special challenges.

Included in the general population at RHS are students who have been diagnosed with some type of learning or physical exception. These students are able to work through those challenges and participate in regular classroom activities.

But for some students, the challenges that make it necessary for them to follow a different curriculum.

“We want make sure that we do things here at RHS to let these students know that they are special,” said Angela Hodges, teacher sponsor for the SIS program at Robertsdale High.

Twice a year, Hodges said, the students are treated to unique events, prom in the spring and the Homecoming Princess program in the fall.

This year, seven students were selected to take part in the Homecoming festivities, Destiny Jordan, Savannah Chaulk, Dixie Lee York, Karen Robbins, Denekia Henderson, Brooke Wilson and Genesis Conway.

On Wednesday, the students were allowed to dress up with gowns provided thanks to generous donations from local businesses and residents, and were presented with a special Princess Tea by “Fairy Godmother” Hodges and “The Mad Hatter,” special ed staff member David Briggs.

The princesses were presented with a real tiara and miniature glass slipper, along with sashes and gift bags and were treated to refreshments, which included cupcakes.

They also participated in the Homecoming Parade, riding near the front on their own float, provided and driven by Ron Moore.

On Friday, the princesses will participate in Homecoming festivities, presenting flowers and sashes to other members of the court during Friday night’s halftime festivities. Following the presentation of the Queen and her Court, the princesses will be introduced on the field, Hodges said.

“I just want to express my appreciation to everyone who helps out with this program, especially all my paras (paraprofessionals),” Hodges said. “They work so hard and do so much to make these girls feel special.”