Local special needs children had their own Valentine’s formal on Tuesday night.

The event, which was organized by Covington County special education coordinator Kelly McCollough, was held at the Covington County Board of Education.

The county school system invited special needs students from Andalusia and Opp, McCollough said.

“It was for our more severe special needs children,” she said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a couple of years – hold a valentine’s formal.”

McCollough said around 20 students in grades nine through 12 participated by getting dolled up like they were going to prom.

“This is the first year we’ve done this,” she said. “We know that we will do this again. It was very rewarding. We know it will increase in number after the word is spread.”

McCollough said some Peer Helpers participated.

“We saw some of our students interact in a way we haven’t seen them do,” she said. “Some of the parents stayed, and got to see them interact.”

McCollough said it was a “very exciting event.”

“I cannot express to you what a difference it made in the lives of the students and their families,” she said. “I never knew when I had this vision just what an impact it would have on the lives of these students. I just thank God for the opportunity He has given me to work with special education students. They have impacted my life more than I will ever be able to impact them.”

McCollough said she has received positive feedback from parents.

“Several parents said it was rewarding,” she said.