Navajo Times
Tuesday, July 14, 2026

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Royals throw special needs prom

Royals throw special needs prom

Submitted
About 200 people enjoyed the recent special needs prom in Chinle put on by Navajo royalty.


WHEATFIELDS, Ariz.

There are time-honored rites of passage most of us take for granted, like the junior prom. But physically or developmentally disabled individuals often stay home from these special occasions, uncomfortable among the “normal” kids, feeling unwelcome or just afraid they won’t be asked to dance.

A group of young royalty, including Miss Central Navajo, Miss Central Teen, Miss Northern Navajo and Farmington American Indian Ambassador, thinks it’s never too late to make up a lost evening.

Saturday, the young women threw the second annual Special Needs Prom, complete with festive decor, gorgeous donated dresses, a DJ, and a meal donated by Kiis’ani Catering. The 200 adults and young people who participated had such a great time, reported Miss Central Sasha Araba, that they didn’t want to leave.

“We went over our time limit” in the Chinle High gym, Araba reported. “Everybody danced. There were even two guys having a break-dancing competition!”

The royals invited clients from Chinle Valley School, St. Michael Special Education and ARISE. Some “normal” kids got wind of the event and accompanied their disabled brothers and sisters. Everybody had a great time, Araba reported.

The royals are already planning next year’s event.

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About The Author

Cindy Yurth

Cindy Yurth was the Tséyi' Bureau reporter, covering the Central Agency of the Navajo Nation, until her retirement on May 31, 2021. Her other beats included agriculture and Arizona state politics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in technical journalism from Colorado State University with a cognate in geology. She has been in the news business since 1980 and with the Navajo Times since 2005, and is the author of “Exploring the Navajo Nation Chapter by Chapter.”

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