LATROBE, PA – For the second consecutive year, two work study students from Saint Vincent College’s Office of Marketing & Communication volunteered their skills at The Celebration of Life’s “A Very Special Prom,” an event hosted at Saint Mary’s Dome in Latrobe on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Last year, Kieran Rapp, C’24, and Adam Koscielicki, a senior sports media and marketing double major, worked to capture the event by creating recap videos for both proms held that day. Their work left such an impact that David Houpt, vice president of The Celebration of Life and a 1997 graduate of Saint Vincent College, invited students back for the 2025 proms.
This year, Koscielicki returned, joined by Enelson Jules, a sophomore digital art & media major. Together, they once again helped document memories made during this special day.
“I do it for the experience that it is. There is not a single negative thought running through anyone’s head, and everyone gets to be themselves together,” Koscielicki said. “Getting to capture it all on camera and seeing nothing but pure happiness is a reward in itself. I took part in it last year and had such a good time helping out; I couldn’t say no.”
First held in 2008 with 12 guests, a donated pizza, and a stereo, The Very Special Prom has grown into two full-scale events that welcome over 400 individuals annually. The celebration features fine dining from nearly 100 restaurants and organizations, salons offering hair and makeup services, DJs, photographers and circus-themed entertainment¾all at no cost to guests or their caregivers.
“The volunteers at these events are blessed more than the families we serve through hugs, smiles and laughs,” said Houpt. “Without the wonderful quality of photography and videography, the vision of these Very Special Proms could not be cast throughout the community.”
The opportunity was introduced by Liz Palmer, digital content and social media manager at Saint Vincent College, who saw it as a perfect fit for her work study students. Palmer believes strongly in providing real-world experiences that not only strengthen students’ creative portfolios but also will instill a spirit of service to the community. “Giving students the chance to work in a meaningful, real-world setting before graduation is something I want all my work-study students to experience,” she said. “It not only enhances their skills and résumés but also opens doors to career paths and networking opportunities they might not have considered otherwise.”
“The Very Special Prom was an amazing experience. Being able to use my creativeness towards it was something I enjoyed,” remarked Jules. “I gained a lot of joy from the experience as everyone was very welcoming, excited and grateful to be there. As a sports videographer, this was definitely something outside of my box, but it’s given me a chance to branch out and create more than just sports videos. It helped me realize that one push of a button on a camera can make one’s day.”
Founded by two families¾including Houpts¾who have members with special needs, The Celebration of Life organization remains dedicated to providing meaningful celebrations and opportunities for individuals often overlooked in the community. Their motto remains clear: no family will ever pay a penny to attend the proms.
For more information about The Celebration of Life and A Very Special Prom, visit: www.tcolprom.org.
Koscielicki and Jules pose for a photo before the festivities kick off.
Attendees enter the venue for the 2025 A Very Special Prom.
