Pine Beach Shop Recreates Prom Glam For Teens With Special Needs

PINE BEACH, NJ — Nobody can turn back time to when six students with special needs were forced to leave senior prom early. But the New York City Glitz boutique shop in Pine Beach did its best to recreate prom magic.

New York City Glitz invited the students for a day of glamor that included hair, makeup, prom fashion and photos.

Cat Lyons-Hutton, the owner New York City Glitz, lives by the motto, "You haven't lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." The quote is attributed to English writer John Bunyan.

"I feel that so many people look at this and they're thanking me and truly, this is a gift to me," Lyons-Hutton said. "It feels good to be good."

Although the Hillsborough High School prom was held on May 17, the prom experience at New York City Glitz was held following 10 students with special needs being forced to leave early, despite school mandate saying no one is to leave early. Read more: Special Needs Students Ejected From Senior Prom

When Lyon-Huttons heard the news of their teens' disastrous senior prom experience, she wanted to give them a better memory. Sunday's private event consisted of hair and makeup, fittings and photographs.

The atmosphere celebrated the student's hour of glamour. At the end, each teen was called up on a stand to be crowned Prom Queen and Prom King, respectively, and draped with a sash.

"For a few minutes in time they are more than special,"said Debbie Myers-Eisenberger, the mother of one of the teens, Lucas Myers.

Carine Nebesky, owner of Salon Elemis in Toms River, volunteered to do the hair and makeup. Steve Szczypinski of Chazmatazz Formal Wear in Toms River fitted Myers for his tuxedo.

The flowers for the event were provided by Bayville Florist and professional photographer Troy Alexander took photographs of the special occasion.

The Hillsborough Public School District apologized for the incident and said it was taking steps to ensure it wouldn't happen again. But New York City Glitz took it a step further, making the students feel like prom royalty.

"I can't change that night for them, but I can help them create a new memory," Lyons-Hutton said. "They are all beautiful."

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