A holiday tradition at Escalon High School, the Friends Helping Friends Club, with assistance from Key Club and Escalon Kiwanis Club members, put on the annual dance for special needs high school and young adult students throughout San Joaquin County Special Education Programs.

The festivities were hosted in the old gym on the EHS campus on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and brought together attendees from 10 different schools and programs.

Along with music and dancing, those attending the Friends Helping Friends holiday event had the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy lunch and celebrate the crowning of a ‘Royal Court.’

Those selected for the royal honors included King Hasib Momen of Tracy Unified Young Adult, Queen Libby Blanco of East Union High School in Manteca, Prince TraV’Ance Maxwell of Lincoln High School in Stockton and Princess Emily Ramos of Sierra High School, Manteca.

Participating schools/programs this year were Escalon High, East Union High (two classes), Sierra High, Lincoln High, Tracy Young Adult, Manteca Young Adult, Manteca Community Young Adult, Stockton Marina Young Adult and Stockton Community Young Adult.

Escalon High School special education teacher Nancy Wright said the gathering is a fun celebration for attendees and volunteers alike.