It was 1980-something at the Blue River Services prom on October 12 at Southern Hills Church in Salem, IN. Hot pink, neon green and electric blue popped with nostalgia as more than 70 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their dates arrived with big hair and rad shades, showing off their fantabulous 80s style.

Everyone stopped on the way in for photos in front of the ultimate 80s backdrop complete with headband, mustache, mix tape and boombox props. But it didn’t take long before party-goers were drawn to the dance floor, where rocking to the 80s was easy with DJ Jesse Rocks! (Blue River’s own Jess Pendygraft). After couples and BFFs boogied to the beats of Queen, Hall & Oats, Olivia Newton-John, George Michael and other 80s greats, it was time to crown the winners in this year’s prom court.

Blue River’s COO Tammy Seitz, along with habilitation manager Donna Davis, crowned Emma Waldridge Prom Queen and Seth Phrampus Prom King. This year’s Princess was Maura Daly, Mike Ashabraner received the title of Prince, and Vincent Hopkins was named Duke.

Reminiscent of Saved by the Bell’s power couple Zack and Kelly were Eric Spicer and Lisa Shultz, who were named Sweethearts of the Ball.

Since ring pops were sold out across the state in an 80s-crazed sweep by mullet-wearing David Hasselhoff look-alikes (psych!), the take-home souvenirs were a pair of bangin’ sunglasses and glow bracelets.

A special thanks to our volunteers: Liz & Jess Pendygraft, Sonja Oakes, Cynthia Porter, Dawn Pigg, Elizabeth Navarro, Tammy Seitz and Donna Davis.