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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The GRACE program held its prom Friday night at Moonlight Caterers & Entertainment in Great Kills.
The event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the programs existence. The agency was started by parents in 2000 with the goal of embracing not only people with autism, but their families as well.
Grace Outreach Coordinator, Julie Gottesman, who has been with the program for 24 years, said it’s all about empowering participants.
“The whole reason we are here is to empower our participants and give them opportunities,” said the staff member and parent. “Autism needs to be enjoyed and embraced, and that’s what our staff aims to do everyday.”
The main goal of the evening according to Gottesman - for everyone to enjoy and dance the night away.
“Executive Director Cathy Del Priore plays a large role in supporting and growing the program,” said the coordinator. “Events like this wouldn’t be possible without Cathy and our staff, that is more like a family.”
DJ Frankie J, owner of DJ Masters Academy, kept the dance floor full all night long. Some of his DJ students were in attendance and got on the mix and mic with him.
Grand entrance
Participants began to arrive around 6 PM escorted by their families. Some even arrived by party bus. Next, photos were taken in the photo booth before moving to the main dining room to dance the night away.
Best dressed
Marie Quattrochi and Noah Musialek earned the title of best dressed. Marie wore a sparkling baby blue dress with blue jordans to match, while her date Noah wore a fresh black tux and matching baby blue shirt.
Marie Quattrochi and Noah Musialek attend the GRACE's prom at Moonlight Caterers & Entertainment Friday evening. May 23, 2025. - (Angela Barca for the Advance/SILive.com) ABAB
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Flashback
Check out last year’s GRACE prom coverage here.
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Prom schedule
Thursday, May 8
Thursday, May 15
Wednesday, May 21
Thursday, May 22
Friday, May 23
G.R.A.C.E. Foundation
Lavelle Preparatory/New Ventures/Nicotra Early College charter schools
Wednesday, May 28
McKee High School
Thursday, May 29
Moore Catholic High School
Friday, May 30
Port Richmond High School
Great Kills High School
Monday, June 2
St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School
Tuesday, June 3
CSI High School
Wednesday, June 4
Gaynor McCown High School
Hungerford School
Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island
Friday, June 6
Susan Wagner High School
Saturday, June 7
Staten Island Academy
Wednesday, June 11
St. Joseph Hill Academy
Bishop Patrick V. Ahern High School
Thursday, June 12
Curtis High School
Friday, June 13
New Dorp High School
South Richmond High School
Junior proms
Wednesday, May 21
St. Joseph Hill Academy
Thursday, May 22
St. Peter’s Boys High School
Saturday, May 31
Monsignor Farrell High School
For past prom coverage, visit silive.com/proms.
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- Class of 2025: St. Peter’s Boys High School graduates 99 students (148 photos)